Toroama, Marape to meet

By MIRIAM ZARRIGA
BOUGAINVILLE President Ishmael Toroama has assured the national government that his government is committed to the process of rebuilding Bougainville.
Toroama arrived in Port Moresby on Friday and was met by Inter-Government Relations Minister Pila Niningi and Minister for Finance Rainbo Paita.
He is in Port Moresby for a pre-joint consultative body (JCB) meeting with Prime Minister James Marape today at 10am.
“The pre-JCB that will meet this week gives both governments an opportunity to familiarise themselves with new and outstanding issues that will be discussed in the proper JCB later this month,” Toroama said.
“My cabinet looks forward to meeting the Prime Minister and his cabinet to address important issues such as the post referendum consultations.
“I must thank the Prime Minister for his zeal and commitment to the ABG and the people of Bougainville.
“I am certain that with his continued support, we will reach an amicable solution to addressing the needs and aspirations of the people of Bougainville.”
The meeting is a prelude to the first JSB meeting in Kokopo on Nov 30.
Toroama is adamant that the pre-JSB meeting will yield positive results as the two leaders’ progress dialogue on consultations.
“The formation of the new ABG under my presidency is steadily gaining traction on important socio-economic and political matters that my government has identified as priorities that we will work towards achieving in our first 100 days plan.
“An important benchmark of the plan is fostering inter-governmental relations with the national government.
“The JCB is the medium that encourages consultation and collaboration between the two governments.”