JAYAPURA - Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi received a working visit by Papua New Guinea's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Justin Tkatchenko, in Jayapura City, Papua Province, Wednesday (8/5/2024).
The bilateral meeting between the two countries discussed some important issues, including cooperation in the political and security fields.
In the patent, Retno admitted that the two neighboring countries sharea very wide border territory. Thus, cooperation between the two sides is very important to strengthen security amid geopolitical dynamics in the border region.
"Indonesia welcomes the completion of the ratification process of the New Defense Cooperation Agreement by PNG. We look forward to its implementation and useful implementation," said Retno, on the sidelines of the Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) meeting.
According to Retno, Indonesian and Papua New Guinea also encourage cooperation in the economic sector. Indonesia welcomed the increase in trade volume which reached 247.6 million dollars in 2023.
"So we both agreed that this number can be increased considering the huge potential we have. Therefore, Indonesia is committed to starting a joint feasibility study on Preferential Trade Agreements between countries," he said.
Papua New Guinea's Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko called this a historicalmeetingexpected to provide important benefits for both countries.
He also appreciated Indonesia's support to Papua New Guinea in various fieldsincluding health, education, waste management and fire control.
"Indonesia is an important friend of Papua New Guinea," he said.
Acting Assistant II of Papua Regional Secretary, Suzana Wanggai felt proud and honored for the meeting between the two countries in Jayapura City, Papua. The meeting is expected to impact on improving the welfare of the people of Papua
It is known that the Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) meeting is an annual bilateral meeting. In 2024, the host of Papua New Guinea and its implementation will take place in Jayapura City, Papua Province. ***