The relationship Papua New Guinea (PNG) has with its closest neighbour Indonesia, is expected to be strengthened even further this year onwards. According to the Minister for Foreign Affairs Justin Tkatchenko, with the 50th Independence Anniversary this year, PNG seeks to strengthen its relations with other countries, and one of these bilateral partner nations is Indonesia. “We look forward to embarking and making our relationship with Indonesia in trade and in commerce, in social, in education, in health in a bigger way,” the minister said. “Indonesia has been neglected by a long time in our bilateral and security and other arrangements. We’re going to strengthen that like never before.” PNG and Indonesia share a land border, and it is only proper that both countries further strengthen trade and bilateral ties in the name of mutual benefit. “That is happening, and I am really proud it’s happening. We look forward to Indonesia being a bigger part of our foreign policy.” What the good minister said further strengthened what Prime Minister James Marape had said when he met with the now Indonesia President, Prabowo Subianto, following his election early in 2024. In August 2024, Subianto, who was then president elect, visited PNG where he and Prime Minister Marape held bilateral talks where both leaders conversed on having a much stronger bilateral relationship going forward. In that meeting both leaders agreed to continue the respect of the sovereignty of both nations as PNG and Indonesia share a common land border and common people to people tie. That bilateral meeting comprised of discussions on education scholarships for PNG students, increase in trade visits to and from Indonesia, and a look into downstream processing for PNG with Indonesia’s assistance. The country has maintained good relations with Indonesia since 1975 when PNG became independent, and now that the country in marking its 50th anniversary, it's time to fine tune that relationship. Nevertheless, 2025 just commenced and the good minister said much is expected, not just with Indonesia, but with the other bilateral partner countries as well.