REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- State Secretary Pratikno welcomed the request by MER-C so that the President of Indonesia Joko Widodo opened an Indonesia hospital in the Gaza Strip. He said that after an audience between MER-C and President Jokowi at the Presidential Palace on Wednesday, June 17.

According to Pratikno, Asia-Africa Conference that just took place some time ago helped to strengthen Indonesia diplomatic relations with countries in the Middle East.

"In the Asian-African conference, the leader of the Middle East came to Indonesia because they have a long history and strong diplomatic relations," he told Republika.

Former rector of Gadjah Mada University was sure; there was a moral obligation of Indonesia as the largest Muslim country in order to contribute in the peace in the Middle East.

Moreover, Indonesia has the power of tolerance and a strong sense of brotherhood as fellow Muslims. Contributions of Indonesia, particularly in the sectors of peace, have become the focus of Indonesian diplomatic relations in the region.

Pratikno said in the future agenda, the Middle East will prioritize the visit of President Jokowi, especially Egypt. Certainly he responded positively the visit plans of President to the Palestinian to inaugurate Indonesia hospital.

Moreover, in this context, MER-C was able to have an exciting program to be able to build Indonesia hospital from public funds.

"It will become extra point for the President's visit later. We are still in the process with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, especially Egypt. Gaza is also planned. There are a series of several countries," he said. C37

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