Tantowi Yahya: Fiji Respects Indonesia's Sovereign Integrity

A special envoy of the Indonesian Government recently met with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to discuss ways to further strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

Former Ambassador of Indonesia to New Zealand Mr Tantowi Yahya says in a statement that even though Benny Wenda, leader of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), had met with Prime Minister Rabuka early this year, Fiji has ensured its support towards Indonesia's sovereign integrity.

"Mr Rabuka's meeting with Benny Wenda was widely perceived as a change in Fiji's attitude towards Indonesia. However, Mr Rabuka has affirmed the Fiji Government's support and commitment to the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia. We are humbled that Fiji recognizes Papua as part of Indonesia," said Mr Yahya.

Mr Yahya says that Indonesia and Fiji are committed to maintaining the mutual trust.

"We have planned for representatives of the Fiji Government to visit Indonesia in the near future to explore cooperation opportunities in various sectors that will also complement the number of collaborations that have happened so far," he added.

Source: Monica Aguilar

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