R

elentless diplomatic pursuit is needed in seeking solutions to global challenges, from achieving peace and security to advancing social progress and economic prosperity, says Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa.

Addressing the 68th UN General Assembly in New York on Friday, Marty underlined that Indonesia had an enduring belief in the efficacy and effectiveness of diplomacy, maintaining peace and security, advancing social progress and economic prosperity, and in promoting democracy, human rights and tolerance.

'The recent breakthrough on the issue of chemical weapons in Syria is clear evidence that diplomacy works. Further diplomatic momentum must be built,' Marty said at the UN Headquarters.

He noted that the conflict necessitated a stop to the violence, facilitation of humanitarian relief, and the beginning an inclusive political process that reflects the wishes of the Syrian people.

The theme for this year's session is 'The Post-2015 Development Agenda: Setting the Stage' featuring talks to identify the parameters of a sustainability agenda in the years after 2015, which will succeed the eight anti-poverty targets known as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Therefore, Marty noted that a new development agenda was needed that works for all countries ' large or small, developed or developing, and each must share responsibility.

He called for a strong commitment to the spirit of partnership and an unshakeable belief in the power of multilateralism.

'Developed countries must take the lead, and the developing countries must do more,' Marty said in a written speech received by The Jakarta Post.

Marty also called for efforts to end the injustice experienced by the Palestinian people.

'We are encouraged by, and welcome, therefore, the resumption of direct negotiations between Palestine and Israel ' the result, no less, of painstaking and relentless diplomatic efforts.'

Marty reiterated that continued stability and security of the region was key to secure prosperity. 'Peace and development are indivisible.' he said

More than 130 world leaders and ministers are gathering at the UN headquarters in New York for the General Assembly's annual general debate, which kicks off on Tuesday and aims to set the stage for building a new global development agenda that both protects the planet and promotes equity, justice and prosperity for all people.

Marty also said efforts were underway in the region to develop the region's capacity in managing and overcoming any potential for conflict, to ensure that Southeast Asia remained a net contributor to international peace and security.

'Indeed, to extend the 'arc of stability' beyond Southeast Asia to the Asia Pacific at large, promoting common security, common prosperity and common stability for all in the region, a commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes, and renunciation of the use of, and threat of use of force. A region that places diplomacy at the forefront,' he said.