Inp.polri.go.id – Jakarta. Indonesian President Joko Widodo welcomes the economic growth in Indonesia-Papua New Guinea (PNG) border area with the opening border of Skouw-Wutung and direct flight from Denpasar to Port Moresby, PNG capital. This was conveyed during bilateral meeting between PNG Premier James Marape with Jokowi at Kakatua Room, Jakarta Convention Center, Jakarta. The meeting was held during the sidelines of the 43rd ASEAN Summit on Thursday (9/7/2023). Jokowi stressed that economic relationship is an achievement for PNG’s support for Indonesia sovereignty and integrity. This support was also showed on Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Summit in Port Vila, Vanuatu, last August. “I really appreciate PNG support for sovereignty and integrity of Indonesia, including those that was showed on MSG Summit last month,” said Jokowi. Meanwhile, Marape applaud Indonesia for the success of 43rd ASEAN Summit and reaffirmed PNG’s support for Indonesia as their close neighbor. “I also want to congratulate you for the success of ASEAN Summit that you host. Back then it was APEC and G20, now ASEAN, we always support you. I am truly proud with our closest neighbor,” praised Marape. On the last day of 43rd ASEAN Summit, Jokowi also held several bilateral meetings with Secretary General United Nations (PBB) Antonio Guterres, Australian PM Anthony Albanese, and Japan PM Fumio Kishida.