REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia Fariz N. Mehdawi has high hopes that the 60th Asia-Africa Conference (AAC) can suggest some concrete measures to achieve an independent Palestine.

"We expect that the commemoration of the Asia-Africa Conference can affirm and confirm an independent Palestine. Palestine will be the only nation at the Asia-Africa Conference that has yet to gain complete independence," Fariz N. Mehdawi said here on Wednesday (15/4).

The 1955 Asia-Africa Conference was seen as a symbol of liberating countries from colonialism. The conference resulted in the formulation of "Dasasila" Bandung, or the 10-point Bandung Declaration, on the Promotion of World Peace and Cooperation.

It had also become the basis of fundamental principles for promoting world peace and international cooperation.

Mehdawi remarked that the leaders of Asian and African countries have decided to support the Palestinian issue.

"Palestine should be recognized by all countries in the world. The leaders of Asian and African countries have stated that the spirit of Bandung is still alive. We are committed to fight for freedom and justice to all nations," he affirmed.

Mehdawi also appreciated Indonesia for deciding to highlight the Palestinian issue at a summit that will be organized as the peak event of the 60th Anniversary of the AAC.

"Asian and African leaders have supported the Palestinian government's demand to become an independent nation, practically, politically, and diplomatically.

Indonesia's commitment to training one thousand Palestinians in 5 years has been accomplished and now we are going to commit to another five years of training," he remarked.

Mehdawi affirmed that the Palestinian government requires more political support to rebuild infrastructure and institutions in Gaza.

"We are looking to enhance tourism, trade, economy, and so on. Therefore, we need a full membership of the United Nations, and for this, we are banking on the support of Asian-African members," he said.

The Indonesian Government will highlight the Palestinian cause during the 60th anniversary of the Bandung Conference and the 10th New Asian African Strategic Partnership (NAASP) to be organized in Jakarta and Bandung, from April 19 to 24, 2015.

The upcoming event is expected to yield three documents, including one dedicated to reiterate support for Palestine's independence, according to Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno L.P. Marsudi.

The two other documents will be a Bandung Message and the ways to strengthen the NAASP, Marsudi said while hosting a breakfast meeting for senior media persons.

The Indonesian Government has invited some 109 countries and 25 international organizations to the 60th AAC and 10th NAASP.

At least 16 foreign leaders have requested for bilateral talks with President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo on the sidelines of the AAC, according to a spokesman for the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

The summit is scheduled to be held in Jakarta on April 22 and 23.

Leaders who are expected to attend the event include heads of states/governments of China, Myanmar, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Iran, Palestine, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Egypt, Nepal, Jordan, Swaziland, Japan, and Seychelles, the ministry's spokesman, Arrmanatha Nasir, told the press here on Friday.

As the host, Indonesia will arrange 12 special rooms at the Jakarta Convention Hall for leaders attending the AAC 2015 to hold bilateral meetings.

President of South Africa Jacob Zuma will arrive on April 21 to pay a state visit and deliver the keynote speech at the Asian-African Business Summit.

Fifty-seven delegations from Asian and African nations have confirmed their attendance at the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the AAC, which will be held from April 19 to 24 in Jakarta and Bandung, West Java province.

Of the 10 ASEAN member countries, the Philippines will not be attending the event, while Thailand has not confirmed its participation.

Events marking the AAC will include a senior official meeting on April 19, a ministerial-level meeting on April 20, the Asian-African Business Summit on April 21, and the Asian-African Summit in Jakarta on April 22 and 23.

Heads of state are also expected to participate in the Historical Walk event in Bandung on April 24.

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