Southeast Asian defense ministers met in Indonesia to discuss regional and global issues, the event began with an opening speech by Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto calling for peace in Palestine.
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Subianto stressed that the Indonesian government “supports Palestinian independence,” calling for an immediate end to the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza, as well as the promotion of safe routes for the distribution of humanitarian aid.
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“We consider it our moral duty to act in this way, and we call on all countries to take the same position to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people, who have been forced to flee their homes for a long time. The crisis occurring in other parts of the world also reminds us, how important it is for ASEAN to remain united and vigilant,” the Indonesian Defense Minister said at the opening ceremony of the event in Jakarta.
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According to Subiaeto, the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting plays a very important role in overcoming security challenges through constructive dialogue, exchange of ideas and establishing partnerships on the principles of mutual trust, transparency and cooperation.
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“This meeting can also become a catalyst for achieving results that can be implemented,” the defense minister emphasized.
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The annual ministerial meeting comes amid heightened tensions in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, where China is accused of aggression against the Philippines, which has US backing and is seeking to strengthen its military ties with Japan.
