Indonesia and Papua New Guinea Sign Four Memoranda of Understanding

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) received a working visit from Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape at Bogor Palace on Monday (15/7/2024).

IDXChannel - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) received a working visit from Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape at Bogor Palace on Monday (15/7/2024). 

The two leaders agreed on four memoranda of understanding (MoU) in the fields of cross-border movement for commercial buses, cross-border transport of goods, health cooperation, and education cooperation. 

The ​Four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed during the meeting were:

1. MoU on Cross Border Movement for Commercial Buses and Coaches
This MoU will regulate the mechanism for public transportation carrying passengers across the border from Jayapura to Vanimo.

2. MoU on Cross Border Transport of Goods by Motor Vehicles
The MoU is intended to regulate the crossing of goods that can be carried by public transport passengers crossing the border from Jayapura to Vanimo.
 
3. MoU on Cooperation in the Field of Health 
This is an update of the 2018 MoU which expired in 2022. The MoU addresses general welfare and public health issues in the border region.
 
4. MoU on Cooperation in the Field of Education 
An umbrella for future cooperation in the field of education, including training and capacity building for educators and scholarships.

Regarding bilateral cooperation, both leaders affirmed that the implementation of a defence cooperation agreement is essential to strengthen the security of both countries. Indonesia welcomed the second Joint Business Forum. 

"President Joko Widodo re-emphasised the importance of continuing the discussion of the Preferential Trade Agreement to increase trade between the two countries. In addition, the renewal of health cooperation agreement and the signing of education cooperation are also expected to strengthen collaboration between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea," the Indonesian Foreign Ministry stated on its official webpage.

Indonesia is also committed to supporting development in Papua New Guinea and other Pacific countries through various grant programmes. (WHY)