As the closest neighbor in the Pacific, PNG stands as an important partner to Indonesia in its relations with brotherly nations in the region.
Jayapura (ANTARA) - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Reno Marsudi, praised the government of Papua New Guinea (PNG) for consistently preserving bilateral relations with Indonesia.

"As the closest neighbor in the Pacific, PNG stands as an important partner to Indonesia in its relations with brotherly nations in the region," she said after attending the 4th Indonesia-PNG Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) meeting in Jayapura city, Papua province, on Wednesday (May 8, 2024).

Marsudi also praised the leadership of PNG Prime Minister James Marape and her counterpart Justin Tkachenko in forging strong bilateral bonds with Indonesia.

"Indonesia is committed to working together with the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) and Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) to enhance the capacity of the two organizations," she emphasized.

The minister commended the PNG government for its steadfast commitment to supporting Indonesia's involvement in activities and talks within the MSG and PIF.

"In a bid to get Pacific countries prepared to face common challenges, we have taken several measures, including those related to climate change and fishery management," she pointed out.

She further said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reached two agreements on technical cooperation and capacity-building for diplomats with Pacific countries.

After taking part in the JMC, Marsudi and Tkachenko on Thursday visited the Skouw Cross-border Post in Jayapura and Wutung Primary School in PNG, which has been renovated with Indonesia's help.

"Educational infrastructure is crucial to the development of human resources and serves as the foundation for future generations," Marsudi stated.

She noted that Indonesia and PNG have collaborated on some other projects, such as waste management, the development of a firefighting center in PNG's Vanimo, and the construction of electricity infrastructure in Wutung.

"So far, Indonesia has installed around 88 power poles along the border to Wutung," she said.

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Translator: Qadri P, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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