Indonesian Senior Minister Presents $10 Mln Cheque to Fijian PM for Relief Efforts

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama (left) with the Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs, Luhut Pandjaitan, in Suva Thursday. — PM Voreqe Bainimarama (left) with Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs, Luhut Pandjaitan, in Suva on Thursday.

Suva, 22 Jumadil Akhir 1437/01 April 2016 (MINA) – Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Luhut Pandjaitan arrived with a large delegation into the country on Thursday in a bid to strengthen bilateral ties and increase its presence in the Pacific.

The Indonesian delegation presented a cheque for $10 million to Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama as part of their asisstance to Fiji’s road to recovery in the aftermath of Severe TC Winston, Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) quoted fijitimes.com as reporting.

Mr Pandjaitan said it was an honour to visit Fiji, adding a trade delegation from Indonesia would also be visiting the country.

Mr Bainimarama thanked the Indonesian delegation and said the assistance would go a long way to assisting those affected by Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston.

Mr Pandjaitan also had several engagements including a visit to the Minister for Agriculture, Maritime and Rural Development, and National Disaster Management Inia Seruiratu.

“I would like to see more Indonesian presence in this region because in the past nine years our presence here has been very little compared with the northern and eastern parts of Indonesia,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian delegation is scheduled to meet PNG Prime Minister Peter O’Neill during their three-day tour of the Pacific this week. (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)