Senior officials from Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands concluded their 3rd Joint Border Committee Meeting in Buka, Bougainville in Papua New Guinea last week.
The meeting brought together Senior Government officials, Border officials, Law Enforcement Officials and traditional chiefs of the two countries and discussed cooperative issues in jointly managing their common border.In opening the meeting, Acting President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Patrick Nisira stated that the developments along the common border, especially illegal activities, are of common concern for the Autonomous Bougainville Government.
He said the Autonomous Bougainville Government is committed in pursuing the establishment of a border post in South Bougainville with the assistance of the Papua New Guinea Government.
Solomon Islands delegation was led by the country's High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, H.E Mr. Bernard Bata'ansia, while Papua New Guinea delegation was led by the Director General in the Papua New Guinea Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Alexis O Maino.
The meeting reviewed the status of the various Border Treaties and Agreements signed between the two countries and encouraged both countries to ratify these Treaties and Agreements and have mechanisms in place to ensure that the provisions of the Treaties and Agreements are fully implemented.