Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Indonesia will further their bilateral relationship by expanding and improving on the people- to- people and business- to business relationships going forward. That was the announcement by Prime Minister James Marape following the bilateral meeting this afternoon with the President elect for Indonesia, H.E Prabowo Subianto at the Stanley Hotel in Port Moresby city. “The government- to- government relationship has never been better,” Prime Minister Marape expressed. “We’ve maintained good dialogue in relationship since 1975 when we became independent, but in this relationship, we are fine tuning more in as far as people- to- people and business- to- business, to grow out of this relationship.” Both leaders also 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 ties. Also agreed was the continuation of the three leaders dialogue, which Marape initiated with the outgoing Indonesian President, Joko Widodo. Marape also acknowledged Indonesia’s ascendance to becoming a developed nation and its market and economy size in the region, stating that in this context it is an opportune time for PNG to further enhance this bilateral relationship with Indonesia. President Subianto also acknowledged PM Marape’s experience in politics, stating that Marape has a lot to give to PNG and the relationship with Indonesia. “Your experience, your geopolitical outlook, your economic ideas, I think is very important and once again I look forward to working with you. Your vision of closeness, the fact is we are very close neighbours, so let us work together and be real brothers." The President elects also affirmed that Indonesia would support PNG's aspirations of becoming a member of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations). President Subianto also requested PM Marape to share ideas and views, and support on cultural exchanges, conflict resolutions, and economic benefits for the people in the region by working together. Meantime, President Subianto extended his invitation to PM Marape to attend his inauguration coming soon in Jakarta, Indonesia. The PM gladly accepted his invitation. PM Marape then extended his invitation to President Subianto to attend PNG’s 50 Independence Anniversary next year of which he also gladly accepted. The Indonesian present elect left the country this afternoon headed back to his home.