Visit By UN Director of UNDP’S Regional Bureau for Asia and Pacific
Media Release – Office of the Vice President
"On behalf of the Autonomous Bougainville Government, I was honoured today to receive in Bougainville, Mr Haoliang Xu, UNDP Regional Director for Asia and Pacific. Director Xu has been in Bougainville for three days experiencing all that Bougainville has to offer and viewing first-hand the impact that UNDP supporting is having within the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
As Vice President, I very much value the support of the UN in supporting the peace process, particularly in relation to weapons disposal and the warm relationship that it shares with the Autonomous Bougainville Government.
Today, Mr Haoliang Xu met with me and key ABG Ministers at the ABG Conference room where several issues were raised.
During the meeting, Ministers acknowledged the valuable work of the UN as an active partner in the peace building process, particularly with respect to upcoming referendum support.
Ministers were also able to brief Mr Xu on the work by all elected members of the House of Representatives within their constituencies to create a weapons free environment by the end of 2018 and suggested there would be great value in establishing a formal UN political office in Bougainville to work with the ABG as referendum preparation progresses.
I, along with Ministers, reinforced the ABG’s commitment to working with the UN until such a time as the goals and objectives of the referendum are achieved. Ministers also requested the UN to continue to be an active partner in the Peace Building Program, the Weapons Disposal Program, the referendum process and the autonomy arrangements.
In response, Director Xu expressed the UN’s full support towards the peace process and in achieving the goals of the referendum. He noted the UN will continue to support and fund the peace building process and activities to support all elements of the Bougainville Peace Agreement and referendum.
Once again, I thank Director Xu and his delegation for their visit to the island and the continuous warm relationship shared with the ABG."
Hon. Raymond Masono, MHR
Vice President
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