Jokowi: Papua New Guinea Is Not Only A Friend But Also A Brother

President Jokowi in Papua New Guinea/ANTARA/HO-Biro Press of the Presidential Secretariat/Rusman)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) said the relationship between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea is not only a friend but also a relative.

"We are 'Wan famli'. The close brother is called a neighbor," said President Jokowi while attending a state lunch held by Papua New Guinea Governor General Bob Dadae, at APEC Haus, Port Maresby, Papua New Guinea, Wednesday, July 5, as stated by the Press Bureau of the Presidential Secretariat reported by ANTARA.

President Jokowi used the philosophy of the Papua New Guinea Wan people to describe the unity and togetherness between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.

Jokowi also appreciated the warm welcome from the Papua New Guinea government and people. "Thank you for the warm welcome. I am very grateful for the friendship between the two countries that have existed so far," said Jokowi.

Also accompanying President Jokowi in the state lunch banquet were Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, Minister of Investment/Head of BKPM Bahlil Lahadalia, and Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan.

President Jokowi on Wednesday afternoon local time also met with the Governor-General of Papua New Guinea Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae at the Government House, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

Jokowi and Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae's meeting lasted for approximately 20 minutes. Jokowi also held a meeting with Papua New Guinea Prime Minister (PM) James Marape at APEC Haus, Wednesday afternoon local time.