The Foreign Ministers of Indonesia and Fiji have agreed to intensify consultations together within the Melanesian Spearhead Group framework.
The Foreign Ministers of Indonesia and Fiji, Retno Marsudi and Ratu Inoke Kubuabola Photo: supplied
Indonesia, which has special observer status in the MSG, sent its minister Retno Marsudi to three full member MSG countries, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Fiji late last week.
Johnny Blades reports.
"Retno Marsudi's trip has come as MSG leaders consider a formal membership application by West Papuans.
Following her meeting with Fiji's Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, local media reports that Fiji and Indonesia are further enhancing their bilateral relations.
They agreed to promote regular contacts and exchange visits between Indonesia and MSG members.
However no mention was made about the issue of West Papua and the MSG application.
Earlier, following Retno Marsudi's meetings with PNG's Foreign Minister Rimbink Pato in Port Moresby, local media were told not to ask about West Papua."