Indonesia calls for palm oil development in Solomon Islands

Indonesia’s President is encouraging Indonesian companies to develop palm oil in Solomon Islands.

Joko Widodo. Photo: AFP

Joko Widodo met with the Solomons Prime Minister Rick Hou on Saturday on the sidelines of the APEC Summit in Papua New Guinea.

Mr Widodo said they discussed Indonesian investment in Solomon Islands, including through palm oil development.

Indonesia also offered support with its fishing and tourism industries.

Mr Widodo said he appreciated the Solomons’ support for Indonesian sovereignty, an apparent reference to the provinces of Papua and West Papua.

An Indonesian forest cleared to plant oil palm trees, 19 May 2017. Photo: AFP

Source (Radio New Zealand)