Lora Lini – The decision of the Minister for Foreign Affairs to look over to South East Asia is not just to strengthen diplomatic relations with the region but a door for Vanuatu to understand better the issue of West Papua.

Minister Kaltongga revealed that West Papua is included in the Government's plan for the region.

The Minister's statement comes as a reinforcement of previous historic statements that were made by former Prime Ministers of Vanuatu such as Walter Lini, Serge Vohor and Barak Sope who have during their term whether as Prime Minister or Minister for Foreign Affairs continued to fly the flag of West Papua.

His revelation now confirms the young politician's vision to ensure that Vanuatu who have been very vocal about the issue maintain this status on the eve of the end of the decade for decolonization.

The statement by Minister Kaltongga also highlights Vanuatu as the first Melanesian country to officially recognize the issue of West Papua in its agenda despite previous decisions from within the MSG itself to not allow West Papua take an observer status.

Minister Kaltongga told journalists at a press conference in Port Vila last week that the Government's decision to set up an office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is to accommodate future dialogue on how best to address this issue with Indonesia.

His announcement is the first ever by a member country of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG).

He informed that while posts will be advertised for the high offices in key corners of the world in the coming weeks, he is encouraging Ni-Vanuatu people to have academic, professional and experience credentials to apply for the posts.

He said the government is firm on getting the right information on issues concerning its Melanesian counterparts saying that is why Vanuatu will very soon set up its first embassy in Fiji – something he said should enable the government to make better decisions on regional matters and trade.