Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting: 17 Leaders to Attend in Honiara

By Alfred Pagepitu

All 18 member countries of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) have registered their delegations for the upcoming 54th Pacific Island Forum Leaders Meeting.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele confirmed in a media press conference yesterday that 17 leaders will attend in person.

“Samoa will be represented by their Secretary of Foreign Affairs, as they have just completed their national election last Friday and are currently in the process of forming a new government,” the Prime Minister said.

He added that the forum program will be comprehensive, with leaders engaging not only in plenary and retreat sessions but also with group agencies, the private sector, civil society, and associate members.

“As host, I call on all Solomon Islanders, especially our people in Honiara, Munda, and Noro, to extend our traditional warmth and hospitality as we welcome our Pacific family,” he said.

“The world will be watching, and this is our opportunity to showcase the very best of our happy isles,” Prime Minister Manele added.

He also acknowledged the support of private sector partners, saying: “I thank Solomon Telekom, Rico Printing, South Pacific Oil, Solomon Airlines, and Solomon Ports for their contributions toward hosting the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting. Their partnership reflects the importance of working together as a nation.”

In addition, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude to bilateral and multilateral partners for their invaluable assistance in supporting the forum.

“Your solidarity with Solomon Islands strengthens our preparations and demonstrates the shared commitment to the Pacific family”.

“I also extend my gratitude to the many Solomon Islanders supporting the National Organizing Committee,” he added.

“Your commitment, energy, and unity will ensure the success of this forum and showcase to the region the strength of our people,” he said.

The 18 participating countries are:

• Australia
• Cook Islands
• Fiji
• Kiribati
• Marshall Islands
• Micronesia (Federated States of)
• Nauru
• New Zealand
• Palau
• Papua New Guinea
• Samoa
• Solomon Islands
• Tonga
• Tuvalu
• Vanuatu
• French Polynesia
• New Caledonia
• Wallis and Futuna

The government expresses its gratitude to bilateral and multilateral partners for their invaluable assistance in supporting the hosting of this forum, demonstrating a shared commitment to the Pacific family.

The 54th PIF Leaders’ Meeting is poised to reaffirm Pacific solidarity and collective action for a sustainable and secure Blue Pacific.

ENDS////