Papua New Guinea, Indonesia Strengthen Ties at MSG Meeting
Port Vila, Vanuatu - March 28, 2024 : Papua New Guinea and Indonesia reaffirmed their commitment to a stronger bilateral relationship during a meeting between Foreign Minister Hon. Justin Tkatchenko and Indonesian Vice Foreign Minister Hon. Pahala Nugraha on the sidelines of the 2024 MSG Budget Foreign Ministers Meeting.
The meeting highlighted the progress made by both governments in addressing past agreements, with discussions focusing on visa waivers, border pacts, and defense cooperation. Both sides also explored potential collaboration in customs, tackling transnational crime, education, intelligence sharing, women's empowerment, and child protection.
Minister Tkatchenko underlined areas for further collaboration, including travel arrangements, improved transportation links, and power-purchasing agreements. Additionally, discussions touched upon a potential Preferential Trade Agreement and development projects like the West Sepik Integrated Development Project.
Indonesia's grant of K60 million for healthcare infrastructure and development initiatives was welcomed by PNG's Foreign Minister.
Tkatchenko expressed optimism for the future of the partnership, especially under Indonesia's new government. He emphasized Papua New Guinea's role in regional security, as outlined in the Bilateral Security Agreement, where it will cooperate with Australia on security matters.
The meeting between Tkatchenko and Nugraha underscores the mutual commitment of Papua New Guinea and Indonesia to building a closer and more cooperative relationship.
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