**** PNG signs plan of action document with Indonesia ***** Papua New Guinea signed a Plan of Action document with Indonesia today to enable various agreements signed between the two countries in June this year to be implemented forthwith. PNG’s Foreign Minister Rimbink Pato signed this document with his Indonesian counterpart, Dr Marty Natalegawa at the Sofitel Hotel at Nusa Dua, Bali this morning. Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono were present to witness the event. Mr Pato said the signing of the plan of action puts into effect the 11 Memorandums of Understanding that were signed between PNG and Indonesia during Prime Minister O’Neill’s State visit to Indonesia in June this year. “This framework document determines the way forward for all stakeholders, whether in government or the private sector, to start implementing the 11 MOUs that were signed. “This Plan of Action is intended to be a living document that will be revised as mutually agreed upon by both Governments, taking into account developments in bilateral relations,” Mr Pato said. The MOUs signed included, among others, a comprehensive partnership agreement to boost bilateral, people to people contact and border development. Other areas covered include an air services agreement, which saw Air Niugini making its inaugural flight in August to Bali; an extradition treaty; a sports agreement; agreements on petroleum and energy resources development; mineral resource development; diplomatic education and training; higher education cooperation; youth cooperation, tourism and culture and sports. Minister Pato has been meeting frequently with his Indonesian counterpart to follow up on these MOUs that were signed, thus resulting in the signing of this plan of action.
Posted on: Wed, 09 Oct 2013 02:53:57 +0000