Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Julie Bishop MP, has pledged that her government will provide more than K120 million to the Autonomous Region of Bougainville in 2015.

It is expected the funds will be used for projects related to health, education, road infrastructure and social issues.Bishop made the announcement in Arawa on Tuesday 16 December as part of her two day tour of Bougainville.

“Australia comes as your friend,” Ms Bishop said, “I’m so impressed by the commitment and energy shown by the people of Bougainville to peace building.”

“The government of Australia will always be a partner and will support everything that is done for the good of Bougainville and its people.”