VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOInews, Jakarta: Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi met with Papua New Guinea Foreign Minister Justin Wayne Tkatchenko in the context of the 3rd Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) meeting between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. The two countries held the same meeting in 2010.

"For both of us this is the second meeting in 4 months after our last meeting on the sidelines of the IPFD, AIS and BDF meetings in Bali last December," said Retno in a joint statement after the meeting, at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Office, Jakarta, monitored online, Tuesday (21/3).

Retno Marsudi said that at the JMC meeting, the two countries exchanged views on the progress of the Indonesia-Papua New Guinea bilateral relationship. According to him, Indonesia welcomed Papua New Guinea's ratification of two bilateral agreements with Indonesia.

"Agreement on Implementation of Visa Exemption for Diplomatic and Service Passport Holders and the Basic Agreement on Border Arrangements," said Retno.

Meanwhile in the defense sector, according to Retno Marsudi, Indonesia hopes that Papua New Guinea can support the acceleration of the ongoing ratification process.

In addition, according to Retno, the two countries are also committed to ensuring the protection of citizens abroad.

"In relation to this, we agreed to assign our officials to draw up a Compulsory Consular Notification Agreement," she said.

Papua New Guinea is a country close to Indonesia. According to Retno, the two countries share a long land border, and are strategic partners for Indonesia in establishing deeper partnerships with Pacific countries.

Indonesia, according to Retno, also highly appreciates Papua New Guinea's strong and consistent support for Indonesia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. (VOI/Andy)