RI, PNG discuss future of defense, education cooperation

Jakarta, July 15 (ANTARA) - Defense Minister and President-elect Prabowo Subianto and Papua New Guinean Prime Minister James Marape discussed the sustainability of defense and education cooperation between their countries on Monday.

The discussion took place when Marape paid Prabowo a visit at the Office of the Defense Ministry in Jakarta, after holding a high-level meeting with President Joko Widodo at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java.

"Both he (Marape) and I are genuinely seeking to maintain the close relations fostered between our nations. When I said that I am resolute to sustain President Widodo's policies, they (PNG delegates) were very delighted," Prabowo said after the discussion.

The minister noted that since 2023, the Defense Ministry has been offering to cooperate with PNG in the education sector, with a special focus on military commissioned officers and cadets.

"I have told them since last year that the TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces) is open to welcome Papua New Guinean young military commissioned officers and cadets," he informed, adding that the Defense University would be delighted to accommodate PNG students.

The President-elect then conveyed his commitment to helping preserve Indonesia's harmonious ties with PNG, considering the two countries share similar foreign policy principles.

"Just like us, they want to respect all countries regardless of their power. We share similar views. Both Indonesia and PNG are not planning on joining any blocs," he added.

After the one-hour meeting, Prabowo escorted the PNG head of government back to his vehicle. Cadets of the Defense University performed a musical performance while sending off Marape.

During the bilateral meeting, Prabowo was accompanied by his deputy M. Herindra and a number of officials from the Ministry of Defense.