The Governments of the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea have successfully concluded the 10th Joint Border Committee (JBC) Meeting in Noro, significantly underscoring their commitment to improving border governance, enhancing security cooperation, and preserving sovereignty. The meeting took place on March 2, 2026, co-chaired by Collin Beck, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Solomon Islands, and Kuike Job Numoi, Secretary for the Department of Foreign Affairs of PNG.
In his opening remarks, Beck noted the progress made since the previous meeting, particularly highlighting the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in September 2025 focused on combined surveillance of the shared maritime border, as well as an agreement concerning the administration of Special Areas. He emphasized the importance of these achievements, stating that they reflect a deep commitment to regional security, the rule of law, and the welfare of border communities. Beck also remarked that borders should be seen as “bridges of cooperation” rather than mere lines of separation.
The discussion on border arrangements led both nations to reaffirm their dedication to resolving the remaining 4 km maritime gap outlined in the 1989 Treaty on Sovereignty, Maritime, Seabed, and Continental Boundaries. Technical meetings are set to commence in April 2026, with both countries agreeing in principle to revised treaty language, paving the way for a potential signing in August 2026.
In terms of security cooperation, the committee reviewed the implementation of the Combined Surveillance MOU, agreeing that its execution should be strictly bilateral, prioritizing national resources and enhancing local Melanesian capacity. Police representatives are scheduled to meet before the upcoming Prime Ministers’ Meeting in August 2026.
On the topic of border governance and immigration, both governments reached a consensus to formalize the Traditional Inhabitants Meeting and Joint Advisory Committee to better connect communities with government agencies. Solomon Islands provided an update regarding the Western Border Post and Patrol Boat Base at Lofung, which is projected for handover in May 2026, and the Police MOU is also slated for renewal.
The committee highlighted the completion of 75 percent of the technical work needed for the Ontong Java Plateau Extended Continental Shelf submission and agreed to finalize maritime boundary delimitations within the year. Both nations committed to concluding the revised Customs MOU by June 2026 and to reviewing the Small Craft MOU to boost enforcement against unregulated vessels.
The meeting concluded with the adoption of the Joint Outcome Statement, on top of agreeing to host a Special JBC Meeting in Honiara in 2027, with the 11th JBC Meeting planned for Milne Bay Province, PNG, in the last quarter of 2028. The successful outcome of this meeting reflects the enduring commitment of both governments to maintain their sovereignty and enhance cooperation along their maritime border, fostering a hopeful outlook for future collaborative efforts.
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