IDNAround.com – President Joko Widodo of Indonesia welcomed Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape for a working visit at the Bogor Presidential Palace in West Java on Monday morning, July 15, 2024. During their meeting, the two leaders discussed enhancing cooperation in various fields, including defense, border management, trade, health, and education.
“We discussed several key issues. Firstly, the importance of the bilateral defense cooperation agreement to strengthen the security of both nations. Indonesia also welcomes the second Joint Business Forum and the signing of two MoUs on cross-border transport of passengers and goods, which are vital for boosting the economy and strengthening ties between border communities,” said President Jokowi.
The President also emphasized the importance of increasing collaboration in health and education.
“I reiterated the significance of continuing discussions on the Preferential Trade Agreement to enhance trade between our two countries. We are also renewing the health cooperation agreement and signing an education cooperation agreement to deepen our bilateral collaboration,” he stated.
President Jokowi highlighted that Indonesia and Papua New Guinea have initiated cooperation in building electrical networks. Indonesia’s state-owned electricity company, PT. PLN (Persero), has completed the construction of an electrical network at the Skouw-Wutung border. Additionally, Indonesia is committed to supporting the development of Papua New Guinea and other Pacific nations.
“I am pleased to announce that this cooperation starts today, and electricity is now available in Wutung. Indonesia has also pledged ongoing support for PNG and other Pacific countries through various grant programs, including hospital renovations in Port Moresby and the construction of public facilities in West Sepik,” explained the President.
Furthermore, President Jokowi expressed appreciation for Papua New Guinea’s role in enhancing cooperation within the Pacific region. He hopes that PNG will continue to support efforts to strengthen ties with Pacific countries.
“Regarding Pacific regional cooperation, Indonesia values PNG as a close neighbor and strategic partner and looks forward to PNG’s continued support in enhancing cooperation with Pacific entities such as the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF),” the President remarked.
President Jokowi also extended his support to the people of Papua New Guinea affected by landslides, hoping for their swift recovery.
“Previously, Indonesia provided assistance to our brothers and sisters in PNG affected by landslides. We hope this support helps ease the burden of the affected residents,” he concluded.
The meeting was also attended by Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, State Secretary Pratikno, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Nadiem Anwar Makarim, Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi, and Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin.
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