Tonga's Prime Minister Hon. Hu’akavameiliku is leading a high-level Forum Troika in New Caledonia this week, on a fact-finding mission.

He is joined by Cook Islands Prime Minister, Hon. Mark Brown, and Fiji Prime Minister, Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka, Solomon Islands Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Peter-Shanel Agovaka, and Forum Secretary-General Baron Waqa.

Forum Chair Hon. Hu’akavameiliku noted the high public interest in the mission to find out more about the situation in New Caledonia.

“Our thoughts have always been with the people of New Caledonia since the unrest earlier this year, and we continue to offer our support. I am pleased that we are finally undertaking this critical mission, particularly following leaders discussion last month," he said.

"This mission highlights the value of the region in coming together to help each other in times of need.”

Upon arrival, the leaders were taken to areas around the capital Noumea, that were damaged or destroyed in recent unrests, these included a public hospital and a commercial centre, the Forum Secretariat reported.

The leaders also met with High Commissioner of the Republic  of France to New Caledonia, H.E. Louis Le Franc; the President and members of the Customary Senate and the President of Congress, to hear their thoughts on the current situation as well as gauge their views on a way forward for New Caledonia.

“The mission is strictly observational in line with the request of the Government of New Caledonia and will follow the Terms of Reference, agreed by the French State, the Government of New Caledonia and endorsed by the Forum Leaders,” the Forum Secretariat stated.

The delegation arrived on Sunday, 27 October, and will stay in New Caledonia until Tuesday, 29 October.