Indonesia Appreciates UK's Recognition of Palestine, Calls for Concrete Action

Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono has expressed appreciation for the United Kingdom’s official recognition of the State of Palestine, while emphasising that the acknowledgement must be followed by concrete action. Speaking at the ASEAN-UK Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila, Sugiono stated that the current task is to align this recognition with real efforts to protect civilians, ensure humanitarian access, and realise a two-state solution. He noted that the UK, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, bears a special responsibility to promote a just and sustainable peace. Sugiono affirmed that Southeast Asian nations are ready to support the UK in this endeavour, reflecting ASEAN’s consistent commitment to promoting peaceful dialogue and interstate cooperation. The meeting adopted the Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN–United Kingdom Dialogue Partnership 2027-2031 and a joint ministerial statement on Indo-Pacific cooperation, which will guide strengthened collaboration in areas including peace and security, transnational crime, green transition, connectivity, and human resource development. UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband reaffirmed Britain’s long-term commitment to deepening ties with ASEAN and called for peaceful resolution of international disputes. The UK formally recognised Palestine on 21 September 2025, a decision announced by then-Prime Minister Keir Starmer as part of efforts to preserve the prospect of a two-state solution, halt the war in Gaza, end illegal Israeli settlement construction in the West Bank, and encourage internal Palestinian reform.