Pacific Islands Forum Special Leaders Retreat this week [1]
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Tuesday, February 21, 2023 - 21:12
Photo: PIF
The Pacific Islands Forum Special Leaders Retreat will be held on 23-24 February in Nadi Fiji, the fifth meeting of its kind attended by Tonga.
Prime Minister Hon. Hu'akavameiliku arrived in Nadi on 21 February accompanied by the Chief Secretary and Secretary to Cabinet, Paula Ma'u.
He joins Pacific Leaders at the Sofitel Hotel in Denarau for the meeting, where the Forum is expected to welcome back Kiribati.
The Pacific Islands Forum stated each year Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meet at the Leaders Meeting, and when there are pressing matters outside of this time a Special Leaders Retreat may be convened.
On the agenda:
- consider and finalise the operation of the Suva Agreement endorsed by the Forum Leaders at their meeting in July, 2022 in Suva;
- udpate on the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and the Government of Japan's plan to release ALPS - treated water into the Pacific ocean;
- the meeting will also see the trainsition of the current Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum from Fiji to Cooks Islands. Hon. Mark Brown, Cook Islands Prime Minister will host the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting later this year;
- this meeting will give leaders an opportunity to gather in person and to discuss common priorities, setting the course for the year ahead and reinforcing ties and the the Pacific way.
The Pacific Islands Forum is the region's premier political and economic policy organisation founded in 1971. It currently has 18 members.
Meanwhile, Tonga will host the 2024 Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.
Pacific Islands [7]