Papua New Guinea welcomes Indonesian President Joko Widodo

The Indonesia President  arrived in  Papua New Guinea's capital Port Moresby to a rousing welcome.

Students, Government department heads and Government ministers  braved the wet weather welcome the President Joko Widodo and the First Lady at the Jackson’s International Airport.

The president Widodo was given  a red carpet treatment in Port Moresby. 

The President met PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill.  Prime Minister Peter O'Neill welcomed the president and his delegation to Papua New Guinea and hosted a state dinner for the president.

"Welcome to Papua New Guinea by your visit in your first year in office," Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said . 

West Papua Issue 

Prime Minister Peter O'Neill said "Our Government looks to work with the Indonesian government, and to use our special connection with the Melanesian people of Papua and West Papua to encourage peace and stability."

"We are the Melanesian people in the sovereign countries of Papua New Guinea, of the Solomon Islands, of Australia, of Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and Fiji – and Melanesian people in other countries like Malaysia and the Philippines.

"We want to work with all these countries to reduce tensions and help our Melanesian brothers and sisters to build better lives."

"As you said on your visit to Papua Province in recent days – we need to create a sense of peace."

"I thank you, president Widodo, for your understanding of Papua New Guinea’s approach to this issue."

"Very importantly, I thank you and your Government for your stated commitment to peace in Papua and West Papua."

More bilateral talks will be held during the presidents two days stay in PNG.