Prime Minister Scott Morrison has downplayed warnings from the Indonesian government over the shock decision to consider emulating US President Donald Trump’s contentious Middle East policy, insisting the announcement was “not an issue of concern” as Australia finalises a trade agreement with its largest neighbour and the world’s most populous Muslim nation.
On Tuesday, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi warned against unilaterally recognising Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and urged Australia to “continue supporting the Palestine-Israel peace process in accordance with the principles that have been agreed and to not take steps that may threaten the peace process and world stability”.
While Indonesia and other Muslim-majority nations have issued swift criticism of Mr Morrison’s policy shift, it has been welcomed by Israel, Liberal Party heavyweights and the Trump administration.
“We welcome and strongly support Australia’s review and discussions on relocating its embassy, seeking a better deal with Iran, and increasing engagement with Israel,” said a spokesperson for the US State Department.
The official also welcomed Australia’s decision to vote against a resolution for the Palestinian Authority to chair the G77 group of developing nations.
Read the article by Fergus Hunter and Matthew Knott in The Sydney Morning Herald.