"Indonesia is also ready to reopen border with Papua New Guinea to restore cross-border trade and the economic conditions of people, who live in border areas," Jokowi noted in a press statement after receiving an official visit from Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape at the Bogor Presidential Palace, Thursday.
Jokowi stated that his meeting with PM Marape took place in a friendly and productive setting. The two leaders discussed efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation in various fields and exchanged views on cooperation in the Pacific region.
The head of state also welcomed Papua New Guinea's efforts to increase trade with Indonesia.
In 2021, the trade value between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea had increased by 87 percent as compared to that in 2020, or higher than the trade value before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jokowi is optimistic regarding the efforts to recover the economy after the COVID-19 pandemic and increase trade opportunities through the reopening of the Indonesia-Papua New Guinea border at Skouw Wutung, Muaratami Sub-District, Jayapura City.
"I also welcome the launch of a feasibility study for the establishment of a preferential trade agreement between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea," Jokowi remarked.
Meanwhile, PM Marape expressed gratitude to President Jokowi, First Lady Iriana, and the ministers of the Advanced Indonesia Cabinet, who had held a welcoming ceremony on a short notice.
"We would also like to deliver an invitation to the Indonesian government to visit Port Moresby next year, so that we can hold the annual meeting of the two countries," PM Marape remarked.
After the bilateral meeting and the delivery of press statements, President Jokowi and PM James had a state lunch together along with the delegations of the two countries.
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Translator: Mentari Dwi G, Resinta S
Editor: Sri Haryati
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