Vice Minister for Inter-Government Relations Joe Sungi has reaffirm that Papua New Guinea recognises and maintains that the provinces of Papua and West Papua (formally Irian Jaya) remains part of the Republic of Indonesia.
Sungi reaffirmed the government’s stand at the 33rd Joint Border Committee between PNG and Indonesia recently in Port Moresby.
He further added that the government and does not condone, tolerate or recognise any illegal activities carried out against the unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.
However, Sungi said he is confident that in the spirit of mutual respect, friendship and cooperation that has continues to characterise our relationship, we will be able to amicably deal with issues that arise and build on previous achievements to strengthen and consolidate our unique border relations.
Indonesia and PNG relationships have been strengthened lately when President Joko Widodo visited the country in May last year.