Indonesia Denies Secret Negotiations with Israel Over OECD Membership

Indonesia has been reported by Israeli media to be engaged in secret negotiations with Israel over the normalization of diplomatic relations. However, Indonesian Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra has denied these claims, stating that no such meetings have taken place.

According to Yusril, the term 'normalization of relations' used by the Israeli media is incorrect, as Indonesia has never had diplomatic relations with Israel in the first place.

Yusril did confirm that Israel had offered to support Indonesia's bid for OECD membership, but only if Indonesia were to establish diplomatic relations with Israel.

However, Yusril stated that this request was rejected by Indonesia, emphasizing that OECD membership does not require diplomatic relations with all other member states.

Yusril also mentioned that he had attended an OECD meeting in Paris, where the issue of Indonesia's membership was discussed, but there was no mention of the conditions reported by the Israeli media.

The issue of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Israel has resurfaced after President Prabowo Subianto expressed support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Yusril emphasized that Indonesia would only consider establishing diplomatic relations with Israel if Israel were to recognize Palestine's independence.