"As you know, I have been given an opportunity to visit Papua, which is an honor. And I am impressed with the progress I see in Papua," he said after meeting with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at the presidential palace in Bogor, West Java, on Monday.
Prime Minister Gordon highlighted the importance of skilled human resources and capacity building as part of development efforts towards improved bilateral relations.
"I think the most important thing is that we must focus on regional connectivity, poverty alleviation and improved welfare," he said.
Meanwhile, Presidential special aide for foreign relations Teuku Faizasyah stated that the prime ministerial delegation from the South Pacific country witnessed the serious efforts made by the Indonesian government to develop Papua.
Faizasyah pointed out that Prime Minister Gordon also acknowledged so during the meeting with President Yudhoyono.
"Prime Minister Gordon was thankful for the opportunity to visit Papua and confirmed that the visit opened their eyes to the Indonesian government�s serious commitment to advancing its regions, including Papua," he continued.
Now that the prime ministerial delegation were witness to the development in Papua, he added, they could help stop the spread of negative information about Papua.
On his first ever visit to Indonesia, Prime Minister Gordon has been in the country since August 11.
Reporting by Muhammad Arief Iskandar
(H-YH) (INE)
Editor: Suryanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2013
