Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister has stressed his country's excellent working relationship with Indonesia amid controversy over human rights abuses in Papua.
The National newspaper reports Sir Michael Somare made the comment during a news conference with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, where they were questioned about the situation in the Indonesian province.
Sir Michael said there were anti-Indonesian groups distributing reports alleging human rights abuses.
But he said the government of Susilo Bambang Yudyohono was paving the way forward, which had seen the granting of special autonomy to some regions in the country.
The Prime Minister said the PNG government was aware of the reports of abuses and had asked the Indonesian government for a response.
He said trade along the border region had increased.
Mrs Clinton said she had no comments on the matter.
