Melanesian Spearhead Group security officials are to meet in Lae next week to finalise paperwork to set up a sub-regional force.
The Post Courier newspaper quotes the Papua New Guinea foreign minister Paul Tiensten as saying the establishment of a sub-regional force would be an attempt by MSG states to address security issues.
At the meeting PNG will present a concept outlining ways the nations could use the advanced passenger information system; harmonise immigration computer systems, and find ways to share information.
The findings of the Lae workshop will be presented at a sub-committee meeting next month in Port Vila, Vanuatu.
The MSG member states are Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Fiji.