Meet aims to boost relations

THE Papua New Guinea and the Republic of Indonesia border liaison meeting and joint border committee meeting underway in Lae is expected to strengthen and improve bilateral relations between the two countries.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Department director-general (border and security cooperation division) and PNG co-chair Kuike Numoi said, PNG valued its bilateral relationship with Indonesia in terms of trade, economy and assistance to various institutions over the years.
“Indonesia is the only country PNG shares a land border with therefore, it is very important to discuss issues, share ideas and create a mutual understanding.”
Numoi welcomed a large Indonesian delegation comprising 86 members to the Morobe capital for the week-long (Dec 9-13) meeting.
It is the 15th border liaison meeting (BLM) and the 35th joint border committee meeting (JBCM) between the countries.
The Indonesian Consul in Vanimo and co-chair Abraham Lebelauw said the delegations from both countries had comprehensive teams to address issues in trade and border security as well as development programmes.
Lebelauw also acknowledged Prime Minister James Marape’s endorsement of the meeting.
Representatives from the Prime Minister’s Department, secretaries from various government departments and institutions such as the National Agriculture Quarantine Inspection Authority, Immigration and Customs, National Fisheries Authority, Department of Transport, National Maritime Safety Authority, police and defence met with their Indonesian couterparts from across the border.
The Indonesian delegation is headed by director-general for administrative regional affairs within ministry of home affairs Eko Subowo.