Deputy Foreign Minister Hopes RI Can Develop Infrastructure Cooperation in Vanuatu

Deputy Foreign Minister Pahala Nugraha Mansury and Deputy Prime Minister of Vanuatu, Matai Seremaiah Nawalu during the groundbreaking marked the renovation of the VIP building at Port Villa Airport, Vanuatu (ANTARA/HO-Kemlu)

JAKARTA - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Pahala Nugraha Mansury said that he hopes Indonesia can develop cooperation in infrastructure development in Vanuatu after the rehabilitation project for the VIP room at Port Vila International Airport in Vanuatu.

Pahala and Deputy Prime Minister of Vanuatu, Matai Seremaiah Nawalu, conducted a groundbreaking marking the start of the renovation of the VIP building at Port Vila Airport which was damaged by Cyclones Judy and Kevin in March 2023.

"As a country that is also prone to disasters, Indonesia understands this, and emphasizes solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Vanuatu," Pahala said as quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, August 22.

Pahala said that the renovation of the airport was important considering that the airport is the first face seen by guests and tourists visiting the country.

Through the renovation project, Indonesia hopes to contribute to Vanuatu's tourism sector, said the statement.

Pahala also expressed his hope that the renovation project would pave the way for Indonesia to be involved in other infrastructure developments in the country.

He also expressed his hope that the airport renovation project in Vanuatu could also improve people-to-people relations in the two countries.

The renovation of the Port Vila International Airport VIP building in Vanuatu was carried out with grant assistance from the Indonesian government. As many as 30 workers from Indonesia have been in Port Vila to start the renovation process.

"I hope that our people can get to know each other, build understanding and closer relationships," said Pahala.

Meanwhile, Matai Seremaiah expressed her appreciation to the Indonesian government for helping with the renovation of the airport's VIP building. He hopes that this project can be the start of strengthening cooperation between the two countries in various fields.