Indonesia Calls For Restraint, Offers Support For Global Peace Efforts

By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar

JAKARTA, June 18 (Bernama) -- Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Sugiono has called for restraint amid escalating global tensions and reaffirmed Jakarta’s readiness to support international peace efforts.

Speaking alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at a joint press conference in Moscow on Tuesday, Sugiono stressed the importance of diplomacy in resolving disputes.

“We agreed that any escalation must be stopped and that disputes should be brought to the negotiation table,” he said, in remarks released by Indonesia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry.

His comments followed Lavrov’s remarks on tensions in the Middle East and came as part of broader talks on regional and global issues, including cooperation under BRICS and ASEAN frameworks.

Sugiono said Indonesia was prepared to contribute to peacebuilding efforts and mediate where needed.

“I also offer Indonesia’s assistance in bridging communication gaps and differences, and in helping to reduce tensions both regionally and globally, so that we can contribute to a peaceful environment in various parts of the world,” he added.

The two ministers pledged to deepen cooperation across key sectors, including politics and security, trade and investment, and food and energy security.

They also agreed to upgrade ties to a Strategic Partnership.

They welcomed closer official contacts between the two countries, saying these had led to new cooperation initiatives, including in education and library programmes.

Sugiono’s visit precedes President Prabowo Subianto’s June 19 to 20 trip to meet President Vladimir Putin and attend the St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).

The visit also marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Indonesia and Russia, established in February 1950.

-- BERNAMA