Vientiane, Laos (ANTARA) - Vice President Ma'ruf Amin urged leaders attending the 19th East Asia Summit in Vientiane, Laos, on Friday to recognize the state of Palestine.



While delivering a statement before ASEAN heads of state and leaders of East Asian countries, he emphasized that international law must be respected by everyone, without exception.



"As leaders, we must take a stance and side with international law and humanity. Do not be selective in implementing international law. If this continues, I am afraid that many new conflicts will emerge," he said.



"(Therefore), I urge countries that have not recognized Palestine to do so immediately," Amin added.



According to him, the world is experiencing an increasing trust deficit due to conflicts and wars. This makes constructive cooperation difficult to build.



He further reminded participating countries about the agreement forged during last year's East Asia Summit, which aimed to maintain and advance the region as a center of global growth.



However, he said that an agreement is not enough, rather commitments must be implemented.



In addition to urging regional countries to recognize the state of Palestine, the Vice President also demanded the implementation of Resolution ES10/24.



The resolution contains a legal response from the International Court of Justice, which, among other things, states that the Israeli occupation of Palestine is illegal.



"Injustice and humanitarian crises continue to befall the Palestinian people. The conflict has also spread elsewhere, outside Gaza and the West Bank. Will various violations of international law like this be allowed to continue?" he asked.



"The implementation of Resolution ES 10/24 must also continue to be monitored. And the two-state solution must remain the main reference for resolving the Palestinian issue," Amin said.



The East Asia Summit was attended by 10 ASEAN member countries, as well as Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Russia, and the United States.



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Translator: Mentari Dwi Gayati, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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