Closing Remarks by President of the Republic of Indonesia H.E. Joko Widodo at the Closing of the 5th Extraordinary Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Summit on Palestine and Al-Quds Al-Sharif, Jakarta, 7 March 2016

Unofficial English Translation

Excellencies and Distinguished Delegates,

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

Over the past two days, I have witnessed the full support and solidarity of the Islamic world towards Palestine. I am pleased that the Leaders of the Islamic world agreed to strengthen the unity in supports of the struggle of Palestinian people.

Excellencies and Distinguished Delegates,

I welcome the adoption of two important documents in this Summit.

First, a Resolution that reaffirms the principled positions and commitments of the OIC on Palestine and Al-Quds Al-Sharif. This Resolution is hoped to reflect the needs and interests of the Palestinian people.

Second, the Jakarta Declaration, initiated by Indonesia, contains concrete plan of actions to be implemented by the Leaders of the Islamic world to resolve the issues of Palestine and Al-Quds Al-Sharif.

I am thankful for your support, and assure you that Indonesia stands ready to implement the Declaration.

Excellencies and Distinguished Delegates,

Through this summit, history will remember on how the Leaders of the Islamic world sent strong messages to all parties involved in the Palestinian conflict. There is an urgency for OIC to increase its support towards Palestine, through concrete steps:

Reinforcement of the political support to revive the peace process. The establishment of new international collective process and the necessity to involve muslim countries to realize two-state solution. Indonesia stands ready to participate and support this process.

Increasing pressures toward the Israelis, including boycotts against Israeli commodities produced in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Increasing pressures toward the UN Security Council to grant international protection for Palestine and determine a clear timetable to terminate Israeli’s occupation.

Firm objection towards the restriction of access and prohibition of worship at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, as well as Israeli’s persistence in their efforts to alter the status-quo character of Al-Quds Al-Sharif, including in demographic dimensions.

Addressing immediate humanitarian needs.

Excellencies and Distinguished Delegates,

The Islamic world still owes the Palestinian people their independence. The struggle of the Palestinian people is ours. Insha Allah, we will witness the independence of Palestine in this lifetime.

Once again, I wish to thank Your Excellencies and all distinguished delegates for their active participation and contribution in this Summit. I look forward to meeting you again at the upcoming OIC Summit in Istanbul on next April.

I declare the 5^th Extraordinary OIC Summit on Palestine and Al-Quds Al-Sharif officially closed.

May Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta’ala bless us all.

Thank you.

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.