Indonesia Hopes for Peace, Stability in Afghanistan: Foreign Minister

Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno LP Marsudi and the TNI Commander Marsekal Hadi Tjahjanto on the welcoming the arrival of 26 evacuated Indonesian citizens from Kabul, Afghanistan, at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, Jakarta, Saturday (21/08). (Photo by: Puspen TNI)

The Indonesian Government has expressed hopes that peace and stability can be established in Afghanistan, Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno L.P. Marsudi has said.

“Indonesia still hopes for an Afghan-owned, Afghan-led political settlement that must be carried out for the good of the Afghan people,” Retno said when welcoming the arrival of 26 evacuated Indonesian citizens from Kabul, Afghanistan, at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, Jakarta, Saturday (21/08).

Retno added said that Indonesia also hopes that Afghan women’s rights will be respected.

“Indonesia is committed to helping build peace in Afghanistan, especially through cooperation in women empowerment,” she added.

Due to recent developments, Retno continued, the Indonesian Embassy in Kabul will temporarily operate from Islamabad, Pakistan, meaning the Ministry cancels the initial plan to carry out the mission of the Indonesian Embassy in Kabul by limited essential staff.

“One Temporary Charge d’Affaires and three home staff will carry out the mission of Indonesian Embassy of Kabul from Islamabad. This small team will continue to carry out daily assessment of the situation in Afghanistan and determine the next steps,” she said. (FID/UN) (GWH/EP)