The 26th Torres Strait Joint Advisory Council Meeting between Papua New Guinea and Australia began today in Port Moresby.
Topics of discussions include Traditional Inhabitants, Fisheries, Environmental, Health, Security and Developments along the borders of Papua New Guinea and Australia.
The Torres Strait Treaty was signed in 1978 by former Prime Minister, Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare and Former Prime Minister of Australia, Malcolm Fraser.
The meetings are held annually to acknowledge and discuss issues to safeguard and protect the traditional way of life and livelihood of the traditional inhabitants including fishing and free movement along the borders of Papua New Guinea and Australia.
The functions of JAC is tasked to seek solutions to problems out of the local level and to consider and make recommendations to the parties on any developments or proposals which might affect the protection of the traditional way and livelihood of the traditional activities and exercise of traditional customary rights, protection and preservation of the marine environment, and fauna and flora in and around the vicinity of the Protected Zone.
A number of technical meetings will continue to Wednesday.
