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December 1, 2024 | 10:12 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Amidst the Ministerial Meeting of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Countries, the Indonesian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Arrmanatha Nasir, held a series of bilateral meetings respectively with Papua New Guinea, Fiji, the Director General of MSG, and several Ministers of Vanuatu on November 29, 2024, local time. The meeting was to reaffirm the commitment of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to strengthen relations with MSG countries through concrete cooperation programs that address the needs of Pacific region development.
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained in a statement that this step is also a follow-up to the meetings of President Prabowo with the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, James Marape, the Prime Minister of Vanuatu, Charlot Salwai, and the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Jeremiah Manele, who attended President Prabowo's inauguration in October 2024 in Jakarta. The cooperation focuses discussed include development cooperation, health, education, and climate change impact mitigation.
In the discussion with the Foreign Secretary of PNG, Elias Wongehu, Arrmanatha emphasized the importance of exploring opportunities to expand market access for exports of excellent products, such as vanilla and cocoa. Additionally, both parties also agreed to expedite a joint feasibility study to increase trade volume.
Meanwhile, in the meeting with the Special Envoy of the Fijian Prime Minister, Y.M. Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, Arrmanatha highlighted the 50-year commemoration of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Fiji. The commitment to enhance development and economic cooperation also became a focus, including the completion of the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between the two countries.
During the visit to Port Vila, Vanuatu appreciated the positive reception to the visit of Prime Minister Charlot Salwai to Jakarta and the visit of the Indonesian Navy Hospital Ship Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo to Port Vila in early November 2024. The mission of this Indonesian Navy hospital ship was considered highly successful and beneficial, as it provided healthcare services to more than 335 Vanuatu residents and medical assistance to the Vanuatu government. This initiative demonstrates Indonesia's dedication to creating real and sustainable impact for the people in the region.
Vice Minister Nasir also reaffirmed the commitment of the Administration of Prabowo Subianto to enhance cooperation between Indonesia and Vanuatu in various priority areas, such as strengthening the healthcare system in Vanuatu, for example, through enhancing the capacity of medical personnel. As for strengthening the education system in Vanuatu, there will be teacher exchanges and the development of vocational education systems.
As island countries, Indonesia and MSG countries face similar challenges, especially from the impacts of climate change and rising sea levels. Indonesia is also the country with the largest Melanesian population, with up to 11 million people. Therefore, through strategic dialogue and concrete steps, Indonesia continues to strengthen its role as the main partner of MSG countries that focus on advancing cooperation that can directly benefit the people in the sub-region.
Editor's Choice: Indonesia Commits to Strengthening Concrete Cooperation with Melanesian Spearhead Group
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