PM Salwai strengthens Vanuatu-Indonesia relations at Presidential Inauguration
October 27, 2024 9:52 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
By Ezra Toara.
Prime Minister (PM) Charlot Salwai, accompanied by Mrs. Marie Salwai, conducted an official visit to Indonesia from 19 to 21 October 2024 to attend the inauguration of Indonesia’s newly elected President, General (Retd.) Prabowo Subianto.
The high-profile event, held in Jakarta on 20 October 2024, marked a key moment in diplomatic relations between the two nations.
The Vanuatu delegation, led by PM Salwai, arrived at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Saturday, 19 October, where they were received with a formal military ceremony. Sandiaga Uno, Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, greeted the PM with a 21-gun salute, and both national anthems were performed by the Indonesian military corps band. Following the official welcome, Vanuatu’s delegation was warmly received by Dr. Siswo Pramono, Indonesia’s Ambassador to Vanuatu, and his wife, Mrs. Marsia Pramono, at the Langham Hotel Jakarta, where they later enjoyed a private dinner hosted by the Ambassador.
The following day, 20 October, PM Salwai and Mrs. Salwai attended the inauguration ceremony at the Indonesian People’s Consultative Assembly building, joining a distinguished gathering of global leaders, including 23 heads of state or deputy heads of state and 11 special envoys. The ceremony signalled the start of President Subianto’s term in office.
In the evening, PM Salwai, along with his Political Advisor, Mr. Emiliano Buletare, engaged in a bilateral meeting with President Prabowo at the Presidential Palace. The two leaders discussed a broad range of issues aimed at deepening the partnership between Vanuatu and Indonesia, including economic development, trade, health, nurse training, shipbuilding, and regional cooperation. They also addressed the situation in Indonesia’s Papuan provinces and the role of the Melanesian Spearhead Group in fostering regional solidarity.
The day concluded with PM Salwai and Mrs. Salwai attending a State Dinner Reception hosted by President Prabowo, alongside numerous dignitaries and foreign guests, further enhancing the diplomatic rapport between the two countries.
PM Salwai departed Jakarta on 21 October, where he was bid farewell by Ambassador Siswo Pramono. His next destination is Apia, Samoa, where he participated in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting from 21 to 26 October (today).
