PNG focusing on Indonesia, Malaysia and China

FOREIGN Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko is looking to strengthen Papua New Guinea’s diplomatic relationships with three Southeast Asian countries — Indonesia, Malaysia and China.
Tkatchenko is leading a delegation of five officials to Indonesia’s capital Jakarta for a three-day focus on key bilateral issues with his Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi.
“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.
“This includes members who are in the borders, including soldiers and police to enable a common understanding,” he said.
“If there are any issues that Indonesia wants us to be involved, especially with West Papua, we are more than happy to support and help.”
Tkatchenko said PNG had officially passed the reciprocal visa arrangements between Papua New Guinea and Indonesia, meaning those with diplomatic passport or passport would get visa on arrival in Papua New Guinea and in Indonesia.
“Another very important matter is the Defence Cooperation Agreement between Indonesia and PNG.
“This has been approved by the National Executive Council that allows both PNG Defence Force and Indonesian Defence Force to strengthen their ties and their cooperation in areas of mutual security concerns,” he added.
“After Indonesia, we head to Malaysia to meet the new Foreign Minister and their new Government.
“We want to strengthen our ties with Malaysia as they are a big economic and trading partner to PNG.”