East Asian countries and international organizations have resumed the Second Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD II) by renewing their commitment to continue supporting Palestinian development and peaceful dialogue in Middle East region.

'€œ[We] reiterate the commitment of East Asian countries and international organizations to support Palestine and the ongoing Middle East peace process, through supporting the development of Palestine, including capacity development and reinvigorating the business environment toward the realization of a two-state solution based on the relevant UN resolutions and the Arab peace initiatives,'€ according to a press release sent to The Jakarta Post on Saturday.

The conference therefore also encouraged the private sector to play a significant role in further enhancing Palestinian economic development. Areas like capacity building, knowledge sharing and community development are among those priorities that should be highlighted in the future.

The conference, which was held at the Foreign Affairs Ministry, was opened by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Yudhoyono had earlier expressed this country'€™s strong and solid support for the Palestinian struggle to gain independence through peaceful dialogue and other diplomatic undertakings.

Indonesia has long stood among the countries opposed to what they regard as Israeli occupation of Palestinian soil. Closing all diplomatic doors to Israel is the option that has been taken by this country as a means to showing solidarity with their Palestinian counterparts.