Indonesia, PNG take action

Main Stories, National
Source:

The National, Wednesday October 9th, 2013

 PAPUA New Guinea has signed a plan of action document with Indonesia to enable agreements reached between the two countries in June to be implemented.

Foreign Minister Rimbink Pato signed the document with his Indonesian counterpart Dr Marty Natalegawa at Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia.

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono witnessed the event.

Pato said the signing put into effect the 11 memorandum of understandings (MoUs) signed between PNG and Indonesia during O’Neill’s state visit to Indonesia in June.

“This framework document determines the way forward for all stakeholders, whether in government or the private sector, to start implementing the 11 MoUs that were signed,” he said.

“This plan of action is intended to be a living document that will be revised as mutually agreed upon by both governments, taking into account developments in bilateral relations.”

The MoUs signed included a comprehensive partnership agreement to boost bilateral, people-to-people contact and border development. 

Other areas covered include an air services agreement, which saw Air Niugini making its inaugural flight in August to Bali, an extradition treaty, a sports agreement, agreements on petroleum and energy resources development, mineral resource development, diplomatic education and training, higher education cooperation, youth cooperation, tourism and culture and sports.