ISPF Opens New Era of South Pacific Cooperation

Jakarta, MINA – Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno LP Marsudi on Thursday opened Indonesia South Pacific Forum (ISPF) in order to increase Indonesia’s role and presence in South Pacific region.

A total of 15 South Pacific countries and territories, including Indonesia attended ISPF. Retno also reminded that the forum with theme “Our Future: Share Ocean, Share Prosperity” was the opening of a new era of Indonesian cooperation with the countries of South Pacific region.

“We believe that ISPF has succeeded in increasing Indonesia’s friendship, Indonesia’s cooperation with the South Pacific countries is an opening for the era of new cooperation between Indonesia and South Pacific region” explained Retno in a joint press statement at Gedung Pancasila, Republic of Indonesia Ministry of Foreign Affairs Jl. Pejambon, Central Jakarta.

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Retno said that this historic forum had two important meanings, the first as a dialogue platform to strengthen concrete trade cooperation, reduce trade challenges, investment, technical barriers and increase capacity and development.

Second, it could increas understanding as fellow archipelagic countries that have the same cultural background and challenges, among others: the issue of climate change, maritime affairs and development of coastal areas.

ISPF has several agendas such as, a meeting between government representatives who will focus on issues of connectivity and marine economy. In addition, entrepreneurs will hold business meetings in parallel, today.

Meanwhile, government representatives from several countries that attending the forum appreciated Indonesia’s role and performance in South Pacific region, such as Fiji, Samoa, Tuvalu, Kiribati and others.

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One of them is Foreign Affairs Minister Papua New Guinea, Rimbink Pato. “Indonesia is a neighboring country and a friend who is very concerned about the Pacific region. Papua New Guinea appreciates Indonesia’s role, “Pato said in his opening remarks.

Pato also praised Indonesia’s diversity and Indonesia’s democratic system. He requested that Indonesia be able to transmit this to countries in South Pacific. (L/Sj/P2)

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)