Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has commended the Indonesian President Joko Widodo and his government for the steps they are taking to improve conditions in West Papua for its Melanesian population.
Mr Bainimarama commended Mr Widodo and the Indonesian Government while addressing the Melanesian Spearhead Group meeting in Honiara, Solomon Islands yesterday.
He said it was incumbent on the MSG countries to support Mr Widodo in the effort and engage with Indonesia on West Papua in a positive and constructive manner.
"From Fiji's perspective, the best way to achieve this is to bring Indonesia closer into the workings of the MSG," he said.While Indonesia has been elevated from observer status to associate member of the MSG, the United Liberation Movement for West Papua has been granted observer status at the group.