Meeting With PNG Foreign Minister In Papua, Foreign Minister Retno Discusses Defense Cooperation To Modernize Port Moresby Hospital

JAKARTA - Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi praised the ratification of the new defense cooperation agreement between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) to a number of cooperation projects between the two countries, when meeting with his team Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko in Jayapura, Papua, Wednesday.

Foreign Minister Retno said this was the first bilateral meeting between the two countries to be held in Papua, where the two countries have extensive land borders.

Foreign Minister Retno said that the two countries have a strong commitment to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries.

"Most importantly, we have the same commitment, our relationship must bring benefits together and bring prosperity to the two nations, including people living on the border of our country," Foreign Minister Retno said in a statement Wednesday, May 8.

Foreign Minister Retno further explained that there were several things that the two foreign ministers discussed on this occasion. First, related to political and security cooperation.

"Indonesia welcomes the completion of the ratification process of the New Defense Cooperation Agreement by PNG and we look forward to the implementation of a useful agreement. As two neighboring countries that have very broad borders, this agreement is very important to strengthen our security in the midst of geopolitical dynamics that occur in our country," explained Foreign Minister Retno.

Meanwhile, in the field of border cooperation, we agreed to encourage further cooperation in order to strengthen connectivity in border areas.

In the economic sector, with the growth in the trade volume of the two countries which reached US$247.6 million last year and the great potential it has, Foreign Minister Retno continued, Indonesia reaffirmed its commitment to start a joint feasibility study on the Preferential Trade Agreement or PTA between countries.

"We both also welcome the initial installation of PLN's electricity network infrastructure in Wutung, and this is just the first phase of the project," said Foreign Minister Retno.

Regarding development cooperation, Indonesia has prepared four projects that are committed to PNG in accordance with the country's needs.

It includes modernization of Port Moresby Hospital which will begin. Revitalization of several public infrastructures in Vanimo, including Wutung Elementary School located near the Skouw Wutung border. Scholarships for students and civil servants of PNG. Fourth, diplomacy training for PNG diplomats and other Pacific countries in June.

"To further support these projects and cooperation in the future, we have also signed two agreements. First, the Framework Agreement on Technical Development and Cooperation. Second, Agreements for training and capacity building for diplomats from Pacific countries," said Foreign Minister Retno.

Foreign Minister Retno added that the two foreign ministers also discussed cooperation with the Pacific Region. He said Indonesia attaches great importance to good relations with Pacific countries.

"We also agreed to work together to maintain peace and stability in the Pacific region and prepare Pacific countries in facing common challenges, including related to climate change and fisheries management. I thank the PNG Government for their steadfast commitment to support Indonesia's involvement," said Foreign Minister Retno.

"As our closest neighbor, PNG is an important partner for Indonesia in its involvement in the Pacific," he concluded.