REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, NADI -- Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono held a bilateral meeting with Fijian Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama at Denarau resort here on Wednesday to discuss ways to step up cooperation across various fields.
Several memoranda of understanding were signed in the presence of President Yudhoyono and Prime Minister Bainimarama after the bilateral meeting.
The two countries have agreed to increase cooperation in the fields of diplomatic training, sports and youth affairs, fisheries, public works in housing infrastructure, visa exemption for diplomatic officials, and eradication of the drug trade.
Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Marty Natalegwa pointed out that cooperation between Indonesia and Fiji continues to improve from time to time.
"During the bilateral meeting, the two leaders discussed efforts to step up relations between the two countries," Natalegawa stated, adding that the Fijian prime minister also appreciated Indonesia's role in the South Pacific region.
President Yudhoyono also lauded the Fijian government, which continues to encourage intensive cooperation between the two countries.
"The Fijian prime minister appreciated Indonesia's involvement in the South Pacific region, while President Yudhoyono reciprocated the gesture by appreciating Fiji's positive and constructive stance to build stronger relations with Indonesia," Natalegawa noted.
Besides discussing cooperation between the two countries, the two leaders also conversed about regional issues and their role in the framework of cooperation in the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), he added.
Related to the issues in Papua and West Papua, Natalegawa stated that Fiji will continue to support the sovereignty of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).
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