Blinken thanked Prabowo for Indonesia’s support for achieving an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and securing the release of all hostages….reports Asian Lite News
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed gratitude to Indonesia’s incoming president, Prabowo Subianto, during their meeting at an aid conference in Jordan for offering assistance to crisis-hit Gaza, media reported.
Prabowo, also Indonesia’s defence minister, pledged to send peacekeeping forces once a UN-backed ceasefire is established and to enhance immediate medical aid.
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller highlighted that Blinken congratulated Prabowo on his election and discussed the benefits of the US-led ceasefire initiative for both Israelis and Palestinians, AFP reported.
Blinken thanked Prabowo for Indonesia’s support for achieving an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and securing the release of all hostages.
Prabowo, addressing the conference at the Dead Sea, announced Indonesia’s readiness to dispatch medical teams, a field hospital, and a hospital ship to Gaza.
Additionally, Indonesia would facilitate the evacuation of 1,000 individuals for medical treatment and support traumatized children, aiming to repatriate them to Gaza post-war.
He emphasised that while Indonesia was committed to aiding these efforts, the ultimate solution to the conflict lies in a two-state resolution, ensuring security and safety for both Palestine and Israel.
Indonesia, recognised for its religious moderation, has been encouraged by the United States, its longstanding ally, to play a more significant global role.
Despite lacking official relations with Israel, Indonesia has allowed limited trade contacts, hinting at potential normalisation in the future.
While Prabowo had faced visa denials from the US previously due to alleged involvement in human rights abuses, President Joe Biden’s gesture of congratulating him signals a shift in approach.
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