Minister for Foreign Affairs and National Events Hon. Justin Tkatchenko MP
departed the country today in a bid to encourage stronger diplomatic
relationships for Papua New Guinea between three South East Asian countries
of Indonesia, Malaysia and China.
Minister Tkatchenko who led a delegation of five officials will travel to Jakarta
where he will meet his Indonesian Counterpart Hon. Retno Marsudi over a
period of 3 days to focus on key bilateral issues affecting both countries.
“In the last couple of weeks, we have passed the Basic Border Agreement
(BBA) in Parliament which opens the way now for a full review for all parties
to come on board and review the BBA.”
“This agreement enables us to talk about our boundaries, trade, traditions and
culture and our people “and review a long outstanding border agreement that
would now be reviewed.”
“This includes those members that are on the borders, including the defence and
police to enable a common understanding with our border of West Papua,
Indonesia and Papua New Guinea,”
Minister Tkatchenko said this was long overdue.
“As we have stated very clearly, Indonesia is a sovereign country and we
respect this nation.”
“If there are any issues that Indonesia wants us to be involved especially with
West Papua, we are more than happy to support and assist.”
“We look forward to that open dialogue on West Papua with the Foreign
Minister Marsudi.”
“We have officially passed the reciprocal visa arrangements between Papua
New Guinea and Indonesia, those with a diplomatic passport or official passport
will get visa on arrival here in PNG and also in Indonesia.”
Minister Tkatchenko said another very important matter is the Defence
Cooperation Agreement between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.
This has been approved by the National Executive Council that allows both the
Papua New Guinea Defence Force and Indonesian Defence Force to strengthen
their ties and their cooperation in areas of mutual security concerns.
The three-day visit to Indonesia will also capture initial coordination plans of
the official visit of Indonesian President Joko Widodo in June this year.
“Straight after Indonesia I travel to Malaysia to meet the new Foreign Minister
and their new government as well.”
“We will strengthen our ties with Malaysia as they are big economic and trading
partner to PNG.” Minister Tkatchenko said.
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