Indonesia strengthens bilateral relations with Papua New Guinea through development cooperation

The Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi, encouraged strengthening development cooperation with Papua New Guinea, in particular through the implementation of several subsidy projects from the Indonesian Government in health, infrastructure and education. This was conveyed during a meeting of the Joint Ministerial Commission with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Papua New Guinea, Justin Tkatchenko, in Jayapura.

Foreign Minister Marsudi highlighted several progress in the implementation of Indonesian grant projects in Papua New Guinea, including plans to modernize the Port Moresby General Hospital, renovate the fire station and waste management facilities in Vanimo, as well as like a primary school in Wutung.

“The grant aid program for Papua New Guinea is part of Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening development cooperation in the Pacific region,” said Foreign Minister Marsudi.

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Foreign Minister Marsudi also highlighted that this time’s meeting was truly historic as it was being held for the first time in Jayapura.

For his part, Foreign Minister Tkatchenko expressed gratitude for Indonesia’s help. “Indonesia is an important partner for Papua New Guinea,” said Tkatchenko.

Both Foreign Ministers stressed the importance of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity in bilateral cooperation. “Friendship between countries must be based on mutual trust,” concluded Tkatchenko.

Papua New Guinea grant aid program is part of Indonesia’s commitment to strengthen development cooperation in the Pacific region

At this CMC meeting, both Foreign Ministers signed a Framework Agreement on Development and Technical Cooperation as a basis for long-term cooperation between the two countries.

In addition, the representatives of each delegation signed a Training and Training Agreement for Mid-Career Diplomats from the GMS countries.

The CMC meeting is part of the bilateral mechanism held periodically at the level of the Foreign Minister of the two countries. To date, the CMC has been held four times.