JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) said Indonesia is ready to support the Government of Papua New Guinea in developing national strength in the health sector. This is a form of commitment to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
"Regarding health cooperation, I convey that Indonesia is ready to support Papua New Guinea's efforts to strengthen national resilience in the health sector through partnerships between the food and drug authorities of the two countries," the President said at a joint press conference after receiving the visit of Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape at the Presidential Palace. Bogor, West Java, Thursday.
In addition to the partnership between the drug and food regulatory authorities, the President also stated that a number of Indonesian pharmaceutical companies are showing interest in entering the Papua New Guinea market.
This interest is certainly expected to continue to encourage an increase in the value of the RI-Papua New Guinea trade, which in 2021 will increase by 87 percent compared to the previous year.
The Head of State even stated that the trade value between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea in 2021 exceeded the trade value before the COVID-19 pandemic.
"This gives hope and optimism for the post-pandemic economic recovery and I believe there are still many opportunities that can be improved," said President Jokowi.
On the same occasion, PM Marape expressed his appreciation for Indonesia's active role which is always present to help Papua New Guinea in several crisis situations, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Therefore we feel the need to invite the Government of Indonesia to visit Port Moresby next year, to establish a regular annual meeting," said PM Marape.
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PM James Marape and Mrs. Rachael Marape along with the entire Papua New Guinea delegation have been in Indonesia since Wednesday 30 March, and are scheduled to return to Port Moresby on the evening of Thursday 31 March.
In the meeting welcoming PM Marape and his entourage, the President was accompanied by First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo and a number of officials, namely Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD, Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, Minister of State-Owned Enterprises Erick Thohir, Minister of Trade Muhammad Lutfi, Deputy Foreign Minister Mahendra Siregar, and Indonesian Ambassador to Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands Andriana Supandy.
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