Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape yesterday extended his warmest congratulations to H.E. Prabowo Subianto on his inauguration as the eighth President of Indonesia.
The historic event took place at the Parliamentary Complex in Jakarta, attended by regional and global leaders, including Prime Minister Marape.
“Pacific leaders from Australia, New Zealand, Solomon Islands, Vanutu and PNG attended.”
President Subianto assumes leadership of the world’s third-largest democracy, alongside Vice President H.E. Gibran Rakabuming, marking the start of their five-year term.
This significant leadership transition represents a new era for Indonesia and its role in the global and regional arena.
Prime Minister Marape represented Papua New Guinea at the ceremony, underscoring the deepening ties between the two nations.
His presence highlights the importance of Papua New Guinea’s partnership with Indonesia, particularly as both countries seek to expand cooperation beyond traditional areas of focus.
In congratulating President Subianto, Prime Minister Marape said: “On behalf of the Government and people of Papua New Guinea, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to H.E. Prabowo Subianto on his inauguration as the eighth President of Indonesia.”
This momentous occasion marks the beginning of a new chapter not only for Indonesia but also for the enduring relationship between our two nations.”
He further emphasized the strong and growing bond between Papua New Guinea and Indonesia, stating: “Indonesia is a vital partner in the Pacific, and our countries are bound by shared borders, interconnected histories, and mutual economic interests.
As close neighbors and natural allies, Papua New Guinea remains committed to further strengthening our partnership with Indonesia across various sectors.
“President Subianto’s leadership comes at a time of growing diplomatic and economic cooperation between our countries.
From the discussions we held in Port Moresby in August to this significant day, I look forward to enhancing our collaboration in areas such as economic development, defense, education, and trade.
Our shared vision for regional prosperity and stability will guide us in deepening this important relationship.”
Indonesia’s impressive economic growth in recent years has become a model for the Pacific region.
Prime Minister Marape acknowledged this, adding: “Indonesia’s remarkable economic growth has been an inspiration, offering valuable lessons for Papua New Guinea as we look to our future.
I am confident that under President Subianto’s leadership, our countries will continue to work closely to achieve our mutual goals, ensuring greater prosperity for us peoples.”
As part of his remarks, Prime Minister Marape also extended a formal invitation to President Subianto to participate in Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence anniversary celebrations next year, a gesture that highlights the strong and evolving partnership between the two countries:
“I also take this opportunity to warmly invite President Subianto to join us next year in Papua New Guinea as we celebrate our 50th Independence anniversary, a celebration that will further solidify the bond between our two nations.”
Prime Minister Marape concluded by expressing his optimism for the future of PNG-Indonesia relations: “I look forward to working with him to further the interests of our nations and the broader Pacific region.”
The relationship between Papua New Guinea and Indonesia has deepened in recent years, moving beyond traditional border security concerns to include broader economic, educational, and defense cooperation.
Prime Minister Marape’s visit to Jakarta builds upon discussions held in August 2024 between the two leaders, where they outlined key aspirations for enhanced collaboration.
Recent agreements, including a defense cooperation pact and a Memorandum of Understanding on parliamentary collaboration, reflect the commitment of both nations to strengthening diplomatic and economic ties.