The Autonomous Region of Bougainville is ready to welcome the Prime Minister and his delegation this week for the meeting of the Joint Supervisory Body (or JSB).

Acting Chief Secretary to the ABG, Shadrach Himata, said the ABG is pleased to host this fourth JSB meeting to be held on Bougainville soil.

“Our teams have been preparing for these important meetings and we look forward to having productive discussions with the National Government,” he said.

“We hope that this JSB will agree on a clear pathway for the post-referendum consultations that are set to take place between the two governments very soon.”

Mr Himata described the relationship between PNG and Bougainville as one that has reached a turning point.

"The National Government continues to show their commitment in their joint role in implementing the Bougainville Peace Agreement. This represents a maturing level of partnership, engagement and respect from the two governments,” he said.

“Bougainvilleans are keen to see a clear direction set for the post-referendum period and this JSB meeting will provide the forum for both governments to agree on a way forward that reflects a true spirit of ongoing partnership and engagement at all levels.”

Both Chief Secretaries to Bougainville and PNG will meet in their role as co-chairs of the intergovernmental Joint Technical Team (JTT) to formalize resolutions to go to the JSB for consideration by Prime Minister Marape and President Toroama.

The Prime Minister and his delegation are expected to arrive in Bougainville on Friday this week for the joint meeting which is set to take place in Arawa Town.

The Joint Supervisory Body meeting is the peak forum for consultation between our two governments under the Bougainville Peace Agreement.

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