RI DIPLOMATS MUST WORK TIRELESSLY: FOREIGN MINISTER

Jakarta, Feb 4 (ANTARA) - As components of the country's diplomatic service, Indonesian diplomats must work tirelessly, smartly and carefully to ensure the achievement of the service's goals for the state's and nation's sake.

The Indonesian diplomats' obligation was stressed by Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa at the opening of a Foreign Ministry Working Conference here Thursday.

He said Indonesia's foreign policy and diplomacy must be dedicated to achieve the three pillars of development outlined by the government for a period of five years.

"Both foreign policy and diplomacy must be a means to promote economic growth for the people's welfare and become part of the process to bring democratic life in Indonesia to maturity, and contribute to the creation of justice for the Indonesian people," he said.

Besides supporting the three pillars of development, Marty said, Indonesia's diplomacy had seven other missions, namely contributing to the handling of security problems in the world, playing a role in promoting dialog among religions and civilizations, a role in facing the challenges of food, energy and water security.

Also, contributing to the solution of global problems, efforts to overcome the threat of infectious diseases, and playing an active role in endeavors to overcome the challenges of climate change.

According to Marty, Indonesia's transformation into a democratic and open country that respects human rights was an example of Indonesia's assets as a dignified and respectable nation.

"Indonesia's foreign policy also needs to continue promoting the transformation of ASEAN into a community that is increasingly open and respecting and caring for human rights," he said.

According to Marty, other assets Indonesia had to carry out its foreign policy were that in its democracy, Islam and modernity can go hand in hand so it can be a front guard in promoting dialog among religions and civilizations.