PapuaAround.com – On Monday, July 15, 2024, President Joko Widodo welcomed Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister, James Marape, at the Presidential Palace in Bogor, West Java. PM Marape and his delegation arrived at Bogor Palace around 10:00 AM WIB and were warmly received by President Jokowi.
The visit began with the introduction of delegations from both countries. Indonesia’s delegation included Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, State Secretary Pratikno, Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Nadiem Makarim, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin, Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi, Director General for Asia, Pacific, and African Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Abdul Kadir Jaelani, and Indonesia’s Ambassador to Papua New Guinea Andriana Supandy.
On the other side, PM Marape was accompanied by Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko, Minister for International Trade and Investment Richard Maru, Minister for Rural Development and Economic Joseph Lelang, Minister for Transport and Civil Aviation Walter David Schnaubelt, Minister for Oil Palm Francis Galia Maneke, Minister for Livestock Sekie Agisa, Health Minister Lino Tom, Deputy Minister for State-Owned Enterprises Raphael Tonpi, and Papua New Guinea’s Ambassador-designate to Indonesia Simon Namis.
After introducing their delegations, President Jokowi and PM Marape took a photo together and signed the state guest book in the Teratai Room at Bogor Palace. The two leaders then had a casual chat on the veranda before beginning their official bilateral meeting.
The bilateral meeting proceeded smoothly and warmly. Various strategic issues were discussed, including cooperation in the fields of economy, health, education, and infrastructure. President Jokowi stated, “Indonesia and Papua New Guinea have many potentials for cooperation that can be developed for mutual benefit. This meeting is an important step in strengthening bilateral relations between our two countries.”
Following the bilateral meeting, President Jokowi and PM Marape witnessed the signing of several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) between the two countries. These MoUs covered various fields such as trade, investment, education, and health. The signing of these MoUs symbolized both nations’ commitment to enhancing cooperation and deepening bilateral relations.
In a joint press statement held in the Teratai Room, PM Marape expressed his appreciation for the warm reception from the Indonesian government. “We greatly appreciate the hospitality and friendship shown by President Jokowi and the entire Indonesian delegation. We hope this cooperation will bring great benefits to both countries,” he said.
The series of visits concluded with a state luncheon for PM Marape and his delegation in the Garuda Room at Bogor Palace. In a friendly atmosphere, the delegations from both countries enjoyed a variety of Indonesian dishes.
The luncheon was not only a moment to savor Indonesian cuisine but also an opportunity for leaders and delegations to further interact and discuss broader cooperation potentials in the future. Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi stated, “We are optimistic that this meeting will open up many new opportunities for cooperation between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, especially in sectors that are priorities for both countries.”
With this visit, the relationship between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea is expected to grow stronger and more productive. Both countries are committed to continuing their collaboration in various fields for mutual prosperity and well-being. President Jokowi emphasized, “Indonesia is ready to be a strategic partner for Papua New Guinea in achieving inclusive and sustainable development.”
PM Marape’s visit to Indonesia also underscores the strengthening diplomatic ties between the two nations. Both leaders have shown a strong commitment to enhancing cooperation and establishing mutually beneficial relationships. This collaboration is expected not only to benefit both countries but also contribute to the stability and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region.
Through the various agreements reached, both Indonesia and Papua New Guinea reaffirmed the importance of harmonious and mutually beneficial relations. The established collaboration is hoped to set an example for other countries in building strong and productive bilateral relationships. This visit marks a historic moment that will be remembered as a significant milestone in the relationship between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.
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Source: Setneg.