Fiji assumes MSG chairmanship from Vanuatu

Prime Minister James Marape (second-left) and the MSG Leaders of the member countries Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka, Vanuatu PM Jotham Napat, Solomon Islands PM Jeremiah Manele and FLNKS Spokesman Wamytan Roch of New Caledonia inside the BLV Talanoa for their closed door Retreat. (Image: Supplied)

Fiji has officially taken over the Chairmanship of the Melanesian Spearhead Group [MSG], following a formal handover ceremony from Vanuatu in Suva this morning.

The transition of leadership was marked by a traditional ceremony held at the Bose Levu Vakaturaga Grounds, despite heavy rain. The symbolic event included customary rituals and an exchange of speeches between MSG leaders.

Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat handed over the Chairmanship to Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, ushering in a new two-year term for Fiji at the helm of the regional bloc.

All MSG member states were represented at the ceremony, including Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, and the [Kanaks and Socialist National Liberation Front [FLNKS] delegation from New Caledonia.

With the official handover complete, Fiji now takes on responsibility for chairing today’s MSG Leaders’ Retreat and plenary sessions.

The MSG, founded in 1988, promotes economic and political cooperation among Melanesian countries and territories.

As Chair, Fiji is expected to lead discussions on key regional issues, including trade, climate change, and decolonization.