Groundbreaking Ceremony for Port Vila Airport VIP Building Renovations
The VIP building will be designed to embody the cultures of both countries.
Wednesday 23 August 2023 | 21:07
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vanuatu Matai Nawalu Seremaiah and Deputy Minister of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pahala Mansury during the groundbreaking ceremony for the renovation of the VIP Building in Port Vila Airport, Vanuatu.
The Deputy Minister of Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pahala Mansury, and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vanuatu, Matai Nawalu Seremaiah, held a ground-breaking ceremony to start the renovation of the VIP building in the Port Vila Airport in Vanuatu.
The VIP building was damaged in March 2023 due to Tropical Cyclone Judy and Kevin.
“As a country that is also prone to disasters, Indonesia understands and emphasizes solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Vanuatu. A friend in need is a friend indeed,” said Mr. Mansury.
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He explained that Indonesia aims to facilitate the growth of Vanuatu’s tourism sector, considering that the airport is the first impression that greets every visitor.
The Government of Indonesia provided a grant to the Government of Vanuatu along with 30 Indonesian workers to assist in the renovation process.
The VIP building will be designed to embody the cultures of both countries.
"I hope that our people can get to know each other, build understanding and closer relations. I also hope this renovation project could pave the way for Indonesia to be involved in other infrastructure developments in Vanuatu," said Mr. Mansury.
Vanuatu’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Seremaiah, expressed his gratitude for the assistance provided by the Government of Indonesia after Tropical Cyclone Judy and Kevin.
“I hope that this project can be a start for Indonesia and Vanuatu to be able to strengthen cooperation in various fields,” said Mr. Seremaiah.
Mr. Mansury highlighted Indonesia’s readiness to assist and support Vanuatu and other Pacific Island countries.
Earlier this year, the Indonesian Government provided Vanuatu with items and equipment valued at IDR 7.6 billion, including an additional IDR 10 billion dedicated to renovating the VIP building.
Mr. Mansury is in Vanuatu with a delegation from Indonesia to attend the 22nd Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Leaders’ Summit.
"Indonesia, as an associate member of the Melanesian Sparehead Group (MSG) is very committed to helping other MSG member countries," said Mr. Mansury.
