February 7th 2021
Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has hailed the Joint Supervisory (JSB) meeting in Arawa on Friday (Feb 5th 2021) as a “historic” milestone in Bougainville-Papua New Guinea relations.
He said this after the JSB meeting with Bougainville President Hon. Ishmael Toroama, leaders and public servants from both governments, observers from the diplomatic corps, international and local stakeholders, and others.
President Toroama described the JSB meeting as an “honourable moment”.
“Today was very historic – our first JSB after the Referendum,” PM Marape said.
“For the Hon. Ishmael Toroama, President of Bougainville, this was his first JSB after assuming presidency and I must admit he did exceptionally well.
“He knew what he wanted for Bougainville, his agenda was fixed.
” We are shaped by the commitment to peace in the 2001 Peace Agreement.
“The commitment to peace in the 2001 Peace Agreement was outlaid before our time.
” The Referendum gave us this occasion to stage the JSB.
“President Toroama and myself are totally satisfied, in front of Ministers and MPs from both Parliaments, to conclude a very-successful JSB meeting.”
President Toroama said PM Marape had “truly embraced” the 2001 Bougainville Peaxe Agreement by having the JSB.
“I really want to say that it’s an honorable moment,” he said.
“At the same time, we have set tasks for ourselves, in how we can totally work together, in reaching that understanding.
” This is my first JSB.
“I really want to reflect on the point of the last 20 years, which is the drawdown of powers.
” Today, we reached an understanding, a joint agreement, and I’m very pleased at the quality leadership that you (PM Marape) have.
“You have made an understanding to understand the Bougainville Peace Agreement, and the people of Bougainville, so on behalf of my Government and the people, thank you very much.
” This is one of the steps forward we have taken, and that is another big challenge that is coming ahead.
” I’m confident that whatever happens as an outcome of the consultations will reflect the joint efforts that we have taken together.”
