New York (ANTARA) - Indonesia is open to recognizing Israel, but only if Israel first acknowledges the independence and sovereignty of Palestine, Foreign Minister Sugiono said Monday.

Sugiono made the remarks following President Prabowo Subianto’s address during the high-level general debate of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, where the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was discussed.

“This is not an unconditional recognition — specific conditions must be met,” Sugiono told reporters at Indonesia’s Permanent Mission to the UN.

He said Indonesia would only consider recognizing Israel if it fully recognizes Palestine as a free and sovereign state.

“If Israel acknowledges Palestine’s sovereignty and independence, Indonesia will also support efforts to guarantee Israel’s security,” he added.

Sugiono stressed that Indonesia’s conditional stance aims to support a cease-fire and promote lasting peace between both parties.

“If peace is achieved between the two sides, it would be reasonable for Indonesia to take balanced steps,” he said.

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He noted that Indonesia’s independent and active foreign policy — which avoids alignment with any political bloc — allows for a logical and balanced position on the issue.

“A two-state solution means recognizing two states,” Sugiono said.

At the same UN forum, President Prabowo emphasized that Indonesia is open to recognizing Israel, but only under the condition that Israel recognizes Palestinian statehood.

“We must ensure the statehood of Palestine,” Prabowo said. “Indonesia is ready to recognize Israel once it recognizes Palestine. We will also support all guarantees for Israel’s security.”

Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country, does not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel and has consistently supported Palestinian independence as a core element of its foreign policy.

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Translator: Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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