The Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea will lead a government team for a series of key meetings in Bougainville this month.
The Autonomous Bougainville Government is preparing to host James Marape and delegates for talks on the upcoming independence referendum.
Arawa, Bougainville Photo: RNZI
Both governments have agreed that a Joint Supervisory Body meeting will take place in Buin on Friday 23rd August, three months before the vote.
This week, technical teams from both the ABG and National Government led by their respective chief secretaries, are meeting in Port Moresby.
Their discussions are laying groundwork for the upcoming JSB meeting.
Issues to be discussed include an official endorsement of the agreed final dates for polling and issue of writs, updates on weapons disposal, and reconciliation, referendum security and post referendum transition matters.
Papua New Guinea prime minister James Marape, June 2019. Photo: PNG PM Media
The Prime Minister and his delegation will be in Buka next week, where Mr Marape will give a special address to the Bougainville House of Representatives in its parliament session on Wednesday 21st August.
There will also be a meeting of the National Executive Council in Buka on Thursday 22nd August before the JSB meeting.
