PAPUA New Guinea and Solomon Islands have successfully concluded the Second Joint Border Committee (JBC) Technical Meeting, held from 6th – 7th August 2026 at the Central Government Office (CGO) in Waigani, Port Moresby.
The meeting marks another significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration between the two neighbouring countries to advance negotiations on their maritime boundary arrangements. The meeting brought together legal and technical representatives from both governments to consider matters relating to the maritime boundary established under the 1989 Treaty between Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands concerning Sovereignty, Maritime and Seabed Boundaries and Cooperation on Related Matters.
The meeting was opened by Mr Bonaventure Hasola, Acting Director of the National Oceans Office within Papua New Guinea’s Department of Justice and Attorney General who welcomed the Solomon Islands delegation and reaffirmed Papua New Guinea’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and supporting regional efforts to ensure certainty and stability in maritime boundaries.
The Solomon Islands delegation was led by Mr Brian Akwasia, Senior Desk Officer for Oceans and Climate Change within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade. Technical and legal experts from the Pacific Community (SPC) also participated in the meeting in support of both governments.
During the two-day meeting, delegates reviewed technical and legal matters relating to the maritime boundary and exchanged views on approaches to ensure that the boundary arrangements remain clear, effective and consistent with international law. Discussions also considered regional initiatives aimed at preserving maritime zones and maritime boundaries in the context of climate change and sea-level rise.
Both delegations welcomed the progress achieved during the meeting and reaffirmed their shared commitment to working collaboratively to strengthen the maritime boundary framework between their countries.
Speaking after the meeting, Mr Bonaventure Hasola stated:
“Papua New Guinea values its longstanding relationship with Solomon Islands and is pleased with the constructive progress achieved during this meeting. The discussions reflect our shared commitment to cooperation, international law and the peaceful management of our shared maritime interests. We look forward to continuing this important work with Solomon Islands.”
On behalf of Solomon Islands, Mr Brian Akwasia noted:
“The meeting has provided an important opportunity for both countries to advance discussions on maritime boundary matters in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect. Solomon Islands appreciates the hospitality of Papua New Guinea and remains committed to working together towards mutually beneficial outcomes.”
The bilateral meeting was supported through the Pacific Maritime Boundaries Programme, a multi-year initiative coordinated by SPC and funded by the Government of Australia, the United Kingdom and the European Union, in collaboration with a Consortium of Partners, a regional initiative coordinated by SPC to assist Pacific Island countries in the peaceful and cooperative management of maritime boundaries. Both countries expressed their appreciation to the Pacific Community (SPC) and its consortium of partners for their continued technical and legal support.
The successful conclusion of the Second JBC Technical Meeting reflects the strong and enduring partnership between Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands and their shared commitment to regional cooperation, stability and the sustainable governance of the Pacific Ocean.