AHEAD of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Troika meeting this week, Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele met with Fiji’s Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka in Nadi.
The two leaders discussed a range of bilateral issues including a bilateral security arrangement between the two countries, the review of the Air Services Agreement between Solomon Islands and Fiji, the Fiji Soldiers Cemetery, and a possible role for MSG to work with the FLNKS in fostering peace in New Caledonia,
Prime Minister Manele, who is also the incoming host for the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in September in Honiara, is attending the Troika meeting.
The Troika is made up of the current PIF Chair, Tonga, the immediate past Chair, Cook Islands, and the incoming Chair, Solomon Islands.
It plays a crucial role in guiding the Forum’s political direction and decision-making between annual Leaders Meetings.
The Troika leaders discuss several important regional matters, including:
- Recommendations from the high-level PIF delegation that visited New Caledonia in 2023;
- The ongoing review of the Forum’s regional architecture;
- The Forum Secretariat Secretary General’s quarterly report; and
- The implications of recent United States policy decisions on Pacific Island Countries,
- Particularly in the areas of climate change, health, and trade tariffs.
“This Troika meeting is an important mechanism set up by Forum leaders to discuss key issues that impact our Blue Pacific region and ensure we continue to work together for the benefit of all our nations in the Pacific,” Prime Minister Manele said.
Prime Minister Manele is expected to return to the country on Wednesday.
He will make a press statement upon his arrival at the airport.
