President Joko Widodo or Jokowi welcomed the resumption of economic activity on the Indonesia-Papua New Guinea border. According to him, this economic increase was in line with the opening of the Skouw-Wutung border and the launch of direct flights from Port Moresby-Denpasar.
This was stated by Jokowi at the bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister (PM) of Papua New Guinea (PNG), James Marape, at the Cockatoo Room, JCC Senayan, Jakarta, Thursday (7/9/2023). The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 43rd ASEAN Summit.
“I am also happy because economic activity has increased again since the opening of the Skouw-Wutung border and the launch of a direct route between Port Moresby-Denpasar,” Jokowi said in his speech.
He also appreciated Papua New Guinea’s support for Indonesia’s sovereignty and integrity. This support was also shown during the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Summit held in Port Vila, Vanuatu, August 23-24, 2023.
“I greatly appreciate Papua New Guinea’s support for Indonesia’s sovereignty and integrity, including that demonstrated at last month’s MSG summit,” he said.
Meanwhile, PM Marape in his speech congratulated Indonesia’s success in chairing and organizing the ASEAN Summit. Mr Marape also expressed his support for Indonesia as PNG’s close neighbour.
“I would also like to congratulate you on the success of the ASEAN meeting you held. Behind APEC and behind the G20, now ASEAN, Papua New Guinea has your back. Very proud of our closest neighbours,” Mr Marape said.
In this meeting, Jokowi was accompanied by Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud Md., Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, and Minister of State Secretary Pratikno.
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