jpnn.com, JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo gifted a Papuan traditional bag to New Zealand Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Monday (15/11).
Jokowi handed over the souvenir after the two have a discussion on bilateral cooperation.
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President Jokowi said New Zealand was Indonesia's important partner in the Pacific, so he wanted their relationship to remain strong.
"Thank you for New Zealand's support for the second virtual Pacific Exposition," said the President.
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The former Jakarta governor also emphasized that Indonesia would pay special attention to the Pacific during Indonesia's presidency at the G20 next year.
President Jokowi said that representatives from Pacific countries would be invited to the G20 summit in October next year.
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"In last week's COP26, Indonesia in particular brought the voices of small archipelagic countries that are members of the AIS (Archipelagic and Islands State)," he said.
During the meeting, the President also elaborated on the developments in Papua. He expressed his gratitude for New Zealand's support for Indonesia's territorial integrity.
The President emphasized that respect for human rights had always been his concern, including in Papua. The President added that the development of Papua was one of his priorities.
"I am focusing, among other things, on infrastructure development in Papua so that Papua is connected to other parts of Indonesia, so that the Papuan people enjoy prosperity," he said.
At the end of the meeting, the president presented a traditional bag that he had just bought from his last visit to Papua. He detailed the process of making the bag.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said this was Mahuta's first visit.
According to Retno, Indonesia and New Zealand have had a comprehensive partnership since 2018.
This partnership has become a solid foundation in the efforts of the two countries to continue to enhance cooperation during the difficult times amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Of course, this partnership is based on the principle of mutual benefit and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity," said Retno. (tan/mcr20/jpnn)
This news has been broadcast on JPNN.com with the title: Jokowi Serahkan Hadiah Spesial dari Papua ke Menlu Selandia Baru