Bougainville’s independence could be on the agenda when Pacific leaders meet in Palau later this year.
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale – the current Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat chairperson – indicated that the issue would be part of talks soon with Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape.
“I’ve just been communicating with Prime Minister Marape on that and other regional matters,” Wale said in response to prominent Pacific journalist, Stefan Armbruster in Honiara.
“We’re trying to work out some dates. So I will be going to Moresby any time over the next few weeks to further those discussions and then have a much clearer idea.”
The process surrounding Bougainville’s path to independence has been debated in PNG parliament over the past two weeks.
Bougainville voted 97.7 per cent for independence in November 2019 in an act guaranteed by PNG’s constitution as a result of a 2001 peace agreement which ended a 10-year civil war.
“I recognise Bougainville’s independence aspirations and the overwhelming result wea kamaot lo (which came out of the) referendum but at the same time recognising that they are still part of Papua New Guinea and therefore we must respect that fact also,” Wale said.
On whether the matter of Bougainville should have been raised by his predecessor, Wale said: “Solomon Islands position has always been not to anger PNG but to facilitate whatever the two agree on we will play that facilitative, supportive role.”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Wale says visa access and travel arrangements for Solomon Islanders were discussed with Australian and New Zealand officials as part of broader treaty negotiations.
Speaking to local media upon his return from official visits to Australia and New Zealand Wednesday, Wale said the treaty aims to foster closer economic relations.
“We raised all these matters with them. These are issues that will also be part of our treaty negotiations,” he said.
“They will consider some initial steps to make it easier for Solomon Islanders, but we are seeking a long-term understanding that will form part of our discussions.”
Wale explained that the discussions are part of efforts to strengthen economic ties between Solomon Islands and the two countries.
He said both Australia and New Zealand are open to talks on easing travel requirements for Solomon Islanders. However, he noted that long-term arrangements will require further negotiation through the treaty process.
“These matters will also be part of our treaty negotiations,” Wale reiterated.
The government is focused on building closer economic relations and creating more practical travel arrangements for citizens moving between Solomon Islands, Australia and New Zealand.
