EAST New Britain is set to host the first Post Referendum Consultation between the National Government and the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) which starts today and ends on Friday (May 17th to 21st ).
The significant event will be attended by Prime Minister James Marape and President Ishmael Toroama.
President Toroama (pictured below) arrived in the East New Britain Province on Saturday (May 15) to convene the Joint Consultations with the National Government.
Prime Minister James Marape and the National Government’s Consultation Team are expected in Kokopo today.
President Toroama was welcomed at Tokua Airport by former Governor Ereman Tobaining Jnr and National Health Minister and Member for Gazelle Open Jelta Wong.
President Toroama was accompanied by members of his cabinet and the Bougainville Administration as well as the Bougainville Consultation Team.
The consultation is the first of a series of joint consultations between the ABG and National Government to deliberate over the result of the 2019 Referendum and for Bougainville to outline its position on its political journey to self-determination.
As per the Bougainville Peace Agreement, the consultations will precede the final ratification by the National Parliament.
Meanwhile, President Toroama and his delegation met with the Bougainville Community in the province.
The President was able to update Bougainvilleans on the socioeconomic and political progress his government has undertaken since its inception last year.
The ABG was also able to present to the people the Independence Ready Mission Implementation initiative on Bougainville.
President Toroama reminded the people that they voted for Independence therefore, they must carry their responsibility to making Bougainville Independence ready.
He urged Bougainvilleans outside of the region to continue to support the ABG and its aspirations for independence.