PNG COMMITTED TO STRENGTHENING TIES WITH INDONESIA

Papua New Guinea is committed to strengthening the current level of bilateral relations and aims to work closely with the Government of the Republic of Indonesia in order to address issues of mutual concern.

These were the remarks by Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill, who flew to Jakarta, Indonesia, yesterday (19/10/14), to officially attend and witness the Presidential Inauguration of the newly-elected President of the Republic of Indonesia, H.E. Joko Widodo, which will be held today (20/10/14).

The Inauguration Ceremony will be held at the Parliament House (MPR), where the new President will be officially sworn-in and will give his inaugural speech. “Papua New Guinea highly values its relationship with Indonesia since formalising diplomatic relations soon after PNG gained Independence in 1975.

“Like his predecessor, I look forward to working closely with President Widodo during his tenure in office to further strengthen and enhance our existing relations,” Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill said.

He will pay a courtesy call on the President on Tuesday morning to extend the government and people’s sincere and heartfelt congratulations on his inauguration as President before departing Jakarta for Port Moresby.

During this bilateral meeting, both leaders will discuss our current economic situation, trade and investment relations, border development and administration, development and technical cooperation and our regional and international issues.

Apart from the other issues Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill will also discuss Indonesia's support for PNG's hosting of APEC in 2018. “Indonesia remains a great supporter of PNG's intention to host this major regional event in 2018,” the Prime Minister said.