Indonesia and Egypt call for de-escalation, restraint, and respect for sovereignty and international law

Kuala Lumpur, Oct 11 (KUNA) -- Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi called on Sunday for de-escalation in the Middle East, exercising restraint, and respecting sovereignty and international law, with the aim of protecting civilians and mitigating the impact of conflicts on global stability and the economy.

During a joint press conference with President el-Sisi following their talks in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, President Subianto affirmed both countries’ commitment to continuing peace efforts, providing humanitarian aid, and supporting the recovery and reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. He emphasized support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and to live in peace.

The two presidents condemned the construction of illegal Israeli settlements and expressed concern over violence, military operations by occupying forces, and violations of international law and human rights. Subianto stressed the importance of addressing Middle East conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy in accordance with the UN Charter, noting that continued escalation threatens civilian safety and has severely detrimental effects on international stability, particularly the global economy.

For his part, President el-Sisi confirmed agreement with President Subianto on the necessity of reaching a comprehensive settlement leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. El-Sisi stressed the need to ensure full, safe, and sustainable access for humanitarian aid to Gaza, and rejected the displacement of Palestinians, the liquidation of their cause, or changes to the demographic composition of Palestinian lands.

He expressed appreciation for President Subianto’s participation in the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit in October 2025, highlighting the importance of Indonesia’s role and its membership in the Peace Council in supporting efforts to stabilize the region, protect civilians, rebuild infrastructure, and deliver aid.

The two leaders exchanged views on developments in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, emphasizing the importance of reducing tensions and resolving crises through political means that preserve the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states and support regional security and stability.

On the issue of Nile waters, President el-Sisi stated that water security is an existential issue for Egypt, reiterating Cairo’s commitment to its historical and acquired water rights and rejecting unilateral measures that harm its interests.

On the bilateral front, the two presidents discussed during a private meeting, followed by expanded talks with delegations from both countries, ways to translate their strategic partnership into tangible results in economic, investment, defense, educational, and maritime fields.

Subianto stated that el-Sisi’s visit represents an important milestone in strengthening relations and implementing the strategic partnership announced by the two countries in April 2025, which will deliver tangible benefits to both peoples. He clarified that both sides are working toward signing an economic partnership agreement to expand market access, increase investments, and facilitate business exchanges. He welcomed the initiative to establish a joint investment fund between investment institutions in both countries to finance strategic projects.

The two presidents witnessed the exchange of four cooperation documents, including an action plan for implementing the strategic partnership, visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and special passports, cooperation in statistics, and cooperation in maritime affairs and fisheries.

President el-Sisi arrived in Indonesia on Saturday, the final stop of an Asian tour that included South Korea and Malaysia. The visit aims to further develop relations dating back to 1947 and build upon the strategic partnership declaration between the two countries in April 2025. (End)