During the recent visit of United Nations Secretary General, His Excellency António Guterres to Papua New Guinea this week, The United Nations Secretary-General has reaffirmed UN’s support to both parties of the Bougainville Peace Agreement between Papua New Guinea and Bougainville. The United Nations Secretary-General thanked the leadership of the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Bougainville Government, for the opportunity to discuss the Bougainville peace process during his visit to Papua New Guinea. The Secretary-General informed the leaders that the United Nations is proud to walk this journey with both Papua New Guinea government and the Autonomous Bougainville Government as they have done for over 24 years. “You have shown the world the path of healing, through dialogue, perseverance, and mutual respect.” The Secretary-General said the Melanesian Agreement, signed in June, exemplifies both parties’ willingness to engage in the difficult conversations and that the United Nations remains committed to supporting both parties as jointly requested by the two governments. “The United Nations is a neutral partner to the process and remains committed to supporting both parties equally in the implementation of the Bougainville Peace Agreement and the Melanesian Agreement, in achieving a lasting peace.”