FOREIGN M.S.G MINISTERS STARTED MEETING IN HONIARA

Foreign Ministers of Melanesian Spearhead Group countries have begun their official summit in Honiara today and applications for memberships is one of the meeting’s top agendas.

Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Milner Tozaka told his MSG counterparts there needs to be a consensus to issues which MSG senior officials had discussed last week.

Minister Tozaka said according to the MSG’s establishment agreement – decisions are based on consensus and nothing will be agreed on unless there is a collective agreement.

A decision the Foreign Ministers need to make relates to applications for the different MSG membership categories.

The Solomon Islands Foreign Minister told MSG Foreign Ministers hehopes recommendations they submit to MSG Leaders is an ultimate decision that is balanced.

“I know there is great interest in our countries, in the region and beyond on these issues. However, as all of you know, according to the establishment agreement of the MSG decisions are based on consensus. This means nothing is agreed unless everyone agrees collectively. To this end, I hope that when we discuss this issue we will be guided by the wisdom and that whatever recommendations we submit to our leaders for the ultimate decision is one balanced and is sound.”

The MSG Foreign Ministers are meeting at the Heritage Park Hotel.