Prime Minister Matthew Wale says Pacific leaders should openly discuss human rights concerns in West Papua while maintaining constructive relations with Indonesia.
Speaking alongside Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape following bilateral talks in Port Moresby on Friday, Mr Wale said the issue of West Papua was among matters discussed during their meeting.
He said Solomon Islands wanted to maintain good relations with Indonesia but believed concerns over the human rights situation in West Papua should continue to be addressed through dialogue.
“We do not seek to antagonise Indonesia,” Mr Wale said.
“However, we are concerned about the human rights situation in West Papua.”
Mr Wale said there was no need to avoid discussions on West Papua, describing them as issues that should be addressed openly and honestly among regional partners.
“Our message to Indonesia is that we are friends, and friends should be able to speak candidly with one another about issues of mutual concern,” he said.
The Prime Minister said Prime Minister Marape had shared views on how Pacific leaders could continue engaging Indonesia in ways that build confidence while reducing sensitivities surrounding discussions on the rights of Melanesian people in West Papua.
Mr Wale also said Solomon Islands looked to Papua New Guinea for continued regional leadership on the issue, noting Papua New Guinea’s close relationship with Indonesia and its significant role within the Melanesian region.
Prime Minister Marape did not comment extensively on West Papua during the press conference but confirmed the matter had formed part of the leaders’ bilateral discussions.
The issue of West Papua remains one of the most sensitive topics in Pacific regional diplomacy, with Melanesian countries continuing to balance support for dialogue on human rights alongside maintaining diplomatic relations with Indonesia.
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