Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola will be in Indonesia from 11-16 January to lead the official visit of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Foreign Ministers' Meeting at the invitation of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia.
The visit was mandated by the MSG Leaders at its summit which was held in Noumea in June last year.
The visit will be held in Jakarta for official meetings with His Excellency Susilo Yudhoyono, President of the Republic of Indononesia and his Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marty Natalegawa.
The FMM delegation will be in West Papua for two days during the visit to meet with local Government officials and other relevant stakeholders.
“We are happy to undertake this important visit at the invitation of the Indonesian Government to be able to assess the application by WPNCL to become a member of the MSG to enable us to present a recommendation to our Leaders,” Ratu Inoke said.
“We fully respect Indonesia's sovereignty and territorial integrity and we further recognise that West Papua is an integral part of Indonesia.
“The visit will provide the opportunity to learn firsthand about the situation in West Papua and understand the aspirations of our fellow Melanesian brothers and sisters in Papua with regards to their representation by WPNCL to become a member of the MSG,” Ratu Inoke added.
It is envisaged that the visit will also deepen the economic ties and development cooperation between Indonesia and MSG countries. Indonesia is an observer of the MSG.
The other members of the delegation include Honourable Rimbink Pato and Honourable Soalaoi Forau, Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands respectively, Honorable Joe Natuman, Vanuatu's Special Envoy and Mr Yvon Faua, Representative of the Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS).
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