PM Marape says PNG will respect Indonesia’s sovereignty

The largest Melanesian Country in the Pacific Region will continue to respect the sovereignty of Indonesia.

Prime Minister James Marape made it clear that PNG,  "have no right at all, to encroach into the sovereignty issue discussion [regarding West Papua].

West Papua is a province of Indonesia, which occupy the other half of the island of New Guinea.

The prime minister made these comments following his arrival back in Port Moresby from Jakarta on Monday, after witnessing the inauguration of Indonesia's new president. This shows that PNG's foreign policy on the plight of the people of West Papua of Melanesian origin has not changed.

Prime Minister Marape following bilateral meetings with the 8th President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto made mention PNG's stand and supported the Indonesia Government conversation of more autonomy for the West Papua people.

Furthermore, the bilateral discussions touched on border issues, education, economic opportunities and electricity supply to Vanimo.

"Look forward, not only to border-related issues but more on people to people," Mr Marape said.

He further said the " [Indonesian] president reaffirms that work started in the last three years will not be removed but elevated."