TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Relationships and cooperation between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) are getting stronger, PNG Foreign Minister Rimbink Pato said.

In improving relations and enhancing cooperation, the two neighboring countries have signed various memorandums of understanding in which they have committed themselves to always enhance their bilateral cooperation, Minister Pato said in a statement made available by the Indonesian Embassy in Port Moresby to Antara on Sunday.

Pato further said Indonesia, which has been independent for 73 years, is a large sovereign country with world-recognized economic power.

"As neighboring countries which share common borders, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea prioritize the principles of mutual respect," he said.

He praised Indonesia for its support to PNG which will host the Asia Pacific Economic Leaders Summit (APEC Summit) in Port Moresby on November 17-18, 2018.

Meanwhile, Indonesian Ambassador to PNG Ronald Manik, said the two countries have focused their relations and cooperation on the management of border areas.

In addition, they also focused their cooperation on developing the economic and trade sectors and other fields which benefit the people of both countries.

ANTARA