Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has commended Indonesian President Joko Widodo for enabling open dialogue and stronger relations between Papua New Guinea and Indonesia, especially over the last three years which have seen reciprocating meetings between the two nations’ leaders.

Upon concluding the 3rd PNG-Indonesia Leaders Dialogue in Jakarta yesterday, Prime Minister Marape said, despite Indonesia being PNG’s closest neighbour where the two countries are only divided by a ‘strip of line’, for so long dialogue between the nations has mostly been centred upon Border Security and related matters. He said this has now changed significantly by way of negotiations extending to Business Investment, Education, and Health.

“The wall that existed between PNG and Indonesia has now been broken down, with business opportunities opening up between us and improved Cross Border Movement in terms of people and goods. We signed a Memorandum of Understanding today (yesterday) underpinning four main focus areas:

– MoU on Cross Border Movement for Commercial Buses and Coaches;

– MoU on Cross Border Transport of Goods by Motor Vehicles;

– MoU on Cooperation in the Field of Education; and

– Renewed MoU on Cooperation in the Field of Health.

“I have had reciprocating meetings with President Widodo over the last three years. The

inaugural meeting was hosted by the Indonesian President in 2022, and in 2023 (last year) I hosted the dialogue meeting at APEC Haus in Port Moresby. Now I’m here in Jakarta for the 3rd Leaders Meeting as our relations strengthen further,” Prime Minister Marape said.

Prime Minister Marape said, as part of establishing business relations between PNG and Indonesia, he is encouraging Indonesian investors to PNG and to enable downstream processing of goods in the country.

As part of border crossing agreements, Prime Minister Marape also mentioned that apart from Vanimo in West Sepik Province, Middle Fly District in Western Province can be opened up along the border through road networks to allow for the trade of goods and services on either side of the ‘strip of line’.

The Prime Minister appreciated the Indonesian President for the partnership over recent years and the work that has been put into strengthening ties between PNG and Indonesia. He also looks forward to working closely with the new President, thus continuing the foundation that has been set already.