Speaking after her meeting with Pomat at the Parliamentary Complex, Jakarta, Maharani explained that the agreement serves as an instrument for promoting political dialog between the national assemblies of the two neighboring countries.
"This way, the two countries will be able to discuss common issues, such as parliamentary cooperation, economic cooperation, and border cooperation," she highlighted while emphasizing the importance of preserving the conducive situation between the countries.
The lawmaker further noted that the DPR had been maintaining harmonious relations with Papua New Guinea, considering the Melanesian country's status as one of Indonesia's valuable partners in the Pacific region.
"This meeting reflects Indonesia's balanced diplomatic approach, which pays equal attention to our neighbors in the east rather than being fixated on competition among great powers," she stressed.
She remarked that despite entering the final days of the 2019-2024 period, the DPR was eager to receive the Papua New Guinean parliament speaker for the MoU signing.
Maharani also emphasized that the two parliaments are committed to maintaining their well-fostered ties after the forthcoming transition in the DPR.
She then quoted Pomat as saying that the National Parliament of Papua Guinea will support the incoming Indonesian government to be led by President-elect Prabowo Subianto, who will assume the presidency on October 20, 2024.
DPR Deputy Speaker for Political and Security Affairs Lodewijk F. Paulus and Deputy Speaker of DPR's Commission Utut Adianto accompanied Maharani during the bilateral meeting.
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Translator: Melalusa S, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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