Vice President Says Indonesia Is Ready To Be The Gate For Vanuatu To Enter The ASEAN Market

Vice President Ma'ruf Amin when receiving a visit from Deputy Prime Minister Vanuatu Jotham Napat Nauka, at the Vice President's Palace, Jakarta, Monday (19/6/2023). ANTARA/HO-BPMI Setwapres - Iwan heru

JAKARTA - Vice President (Vice President) Ma'ruf Amin spoke about strengthening bilateral cooperation to regional sovereignty when receiving Deputy Prime Minister (PM) Vanuatu Jotham Napat Nauka at the Vice Presidential Palace in Jakarta, Monday 19 June.

"We need to continue to encourage bilateral relations that are mutually beneficial and respectful, especially towards the sovereignty and integrity of each region," said the Vice President when opening his meeting with Deputy PM Vanuatu Jotham Napat Nauka.

The Vice President said that in addition to strengthening cooperation in the field of development and the economy, Indonesia is also ready to become a gateway for Vanuatu to penetrate or enter the ASEAN market.

On that occasion, the Vice President also conveyed the efforts made by the Indonesian Government to equalize welfare for the people, one of which was the Papuan people.

The Vice President explained that development in Papua was carried out while respecting the diversity there.

"I want to emphasize that the welfare approach will remain a top priority, by respecting diversity, based on the principles of justice, equality, and sustainability. The resolution of security issues was also pursued through a comprehensive approach," he said, quoted by Antara.

On the other hand, the Steering Committee for the Acceleration of Special Autonomy for Papua (BP3OKP) has also been formed which has the task and authority to implement and evaluate the acceleration of development acceleration programs in Papua.

"This special autonomy has been planned for the long term until 2042," said the Vice President.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister of Vanuatu, Jotham Napat Nauka conveyed the seriousness of his government to improve relations between the two countries, which was marked by the moment of the meeting today.

"I see that my visit here is a fundamental thing to be able to restore trust and to express the desire for good cooperation between the two countries," said Jotham.

He also explained his country's readiness to cooperate in various fields, one of which is to have twin cities in Indonesia, including Papua Province.

"We also want a technical cooperation agreement between the two countries and can also have a sister city and sister province program. This can be started by Papua Province with Vanuatu," he said.

Present at this meeting were Director General Vanuatu Kalfau Kalforis, Vanuatu Chief of Protocol Mark Erson Vano, Tony Harrison Tevi Head of Maritime Affairs and Private Secretary Richard Kaltongga.

Meanwhile, the Vice President was accompanied by the Head of the Vice Presidential Secretariat Ahmad Erani Yustika, Deputy for Government Policy Support and National Insight of the Vice Presidential Secretariat Velix. V. Wanggai, Director General of Asia Pacific and African Ministry of Foreign Affairs Abdul Kadir Jailani, and Special Staff of the Vice President Masduki Baidlowi and Masykuri Abdillah.