REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The Indonesian government has imposed zero tariffs on the import of several goods from Palestine since early this year to support its economy, Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi said.
"Especially in the economic sector, Indonesia has imposed zero tariffs on a number of Palestinian products entering the Indonesian market," Marsudi said in an annual press statement here on Tuesday.
The zero tariff policy is form of Indonesia's support for Palestine's struggle in the economic field, she said.
"Indonesia's support for Palestine comes not only in the form of political support, but also economic support and technical cooperation," she said.
The minister went on to say that Indonesia will also cooperate with Palestine in the fields of water desalination and health this year.
Through diplomacy, the Indonesian government will always struggle for Palestine for the sake of humanity and justice, she said.
"Once again, Palestine is in the heart of Indonesia's foreign policy and in each breath of Indonesian diplomacy there will be struggle for Palestine," she said.
On the occasion, the minister also reiterated her call for other countries to continue to support Palestine.
On Friday (January 5), Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdurrahman Mohammad Fachir said, Palestine is significant producer of olives and dates in West Asia. Palestine also exported the products to many countries in the world. In order to strengthen the export market from Palestine, since beginning of this year, Indonesia Government free import duties for the two commodities.
"We have agreed since January 2018, Indonesia will free import duties for olives and dates from Palestine," said Fachir.
Meanwhile, Palestine Deputy Ambassador for Indonesia, Taher Hamad appreciated Indonesia that really supported the struggle of Palestinian nation since the beginning. Moreover, when there was controversial decision from United States (US) President Donald Trump which regocnized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
"I am very thankful to the people and government of Indonesia because the big support for us, as if Palestine is part of this country. We are really touched," Taher said.
Vice Chairman Commission I House of representatives, Hanafi Rais also said the importance of continous supports to Palestine. Moreover, the mandate of the opening of Indonesian Republic constitution clearly condemned all forms of colonization on the face of the earth.
Currently, Palestine is the only nation in the world that is still gripped by colonialism. The Palestinians are striving for resistance against Israel as its colonist.
"So, we must keep fighting to make Palestine as independence country and also has good future," Hanafi added.
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