"Our bilateral ties are sound and we have made a lot of progress. It is our responsibility to maintain and explore new cooperation opportunities," President Yudhoyono stated at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Hamdallah at the Merdeka Palace here on Friday.
The two leaders have agreed to boost bilateral cooperation in the fields of politics, economy, and people-to-people ties, such as in the education and tourism sector.
"In the political field, Indonesia has emphasized its commitment to help realize an independent and sovereign state of Palestine. Thats Indonesias position, and Indonesia will contribute to that effort," Yudhoyono noted.
Indonesia was pleased that Palestine has gained an observer state status in the United States and full membership of the UNESCO, he remarked.
"And we hope that Palestine will soon become a member of other international organizations too," the Indonesian head of state added.
"Indonesia has intensified its efforts to help achieve a peaceful, independent, and sovereign Palestinian state. We will continue to support that endeavor," he pointed out.
Prime Minister Hamdallah lauded Indonesia for its position and role in supporting Palestine so far. He stated that the peace negotiations on Palestine, however, have not made further progress.
"I have to admit, there is no breakthrough," he emphasized.
The peace negotiations between Palestine and Israel should have been accomplished this year, but until now the talks apparently are in a deadlock, he reported.
He highlighted several lingering problems, such as the border issue in Jerusalem, Palestinian refugees, and Israels illegal settlements in Palestines occupied territories.
Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah, who is on an official visit to Indonesia, held a tete-a-tete meeting with President Yudhoyono. They later held a bilateral meeting, which was attended by the delegates of the two countries.
In the bilateral meeting, the Palestinian delegation comprised Foreign Affairs Minister Riyad Malki, National Economic Minister Jawad N.A. Hirzallah, Planning and Administrative Development Minister Mohammad Abu Ramadan, and Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia Fariz N. Mehdawi.
Yudhoyono was accompanied, among others, by Foreign Affairs Minister Marty Natalegawa, Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro, and Chief of the National Police General Sutarman.
In the evening, President Yudhoyono hosted a state banquet for Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah.
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Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2014
