PIF Chair: Pacific not an arena for others

The Pacific must never be seen as an arena for others was the stern reminder by the Chairman of the Pacific Islands Forum and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele to his fellow Pacific leaders.

Mr Manele, who assumed the post of the PIF Chair, when welcoming and opening his fellow Pacific leaders at the plenary meeting this morning in Honiara, says “competition among powerful interests is intensifying,” referring to the increased geopolitical interests and tension in the region.

The plenary discussions are informed by ministerial meetings throughout the year, in line with agendas and key priorities of the region, like climate change, regional peace and security, fisheries and ocean protection among others,

The Pacific Islands Forum Chair told the leaders, there is a proposal to consider the agenda setting process for leaders, to better align the 2050 strategy for implementation:

Prime Minister Manele said this Forum is a chance to make decisions that strengthen the Forum, advance the Pacific's priorities, and secure its future.

He called on leaders to have “courage and unity” in their talks today and tomorrow.