The President of the Republic of Indonesia H.E Joko Widodo has made it clear that there is a need for a stronger economic cooperation with Papua New Guinea (PNG) to strengthen the economies of both countries going forward. PNG and Indonesia have had a good relationship since independence but not a strong relationship in the areas of trade and investment. President Widodo expressed that PNG is a close friend, as well as a strategic partner of Indonesia. “Therefore, Prime Minister Marape and I want this close relationship to be marked by economic cooperation, which is essential for both countries,” said President Widodo. He added that PNG and Indonesia are both economic giants, PNG in the pacific and Indonesia in the Southeast Asia. For that matter, trade and economic cooperation would have a big impact, not only for the two countries, but for the region. “For that, I will continue to push for discussions on the Indonesia and PNG potential trade agreement so that our economic cooperation can continue to grow.” For that matter, President Widodo said Indonesia stands ready to support the Connect PNG Program and other economic infrastructure programs. He also said the recent Citilink direct flight to Port Moresby marks the start of a stronger economic relationship. “I am confident that the closeness between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea will become stronger through concrete economic cooperation.” Meanwhile, Prime Minister James Marape extended his invitation to Indonesia to invest in the country’s Special Economic Zones in terms of oil palm projects and agriculture. He said Indonesia is a leader in downstream processing and for them tapping into PNG’s economic sector, will be a massive boost for the country.