Pacific Island Forum meeting begin
PNG Prime Minister James Marape arrived early this morning at Fua'amotu International Airport to attend the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum in Tonga.
Prime Minister Marape is among the 18 PIF members, including the United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres who are attending the event in Nuku'Alofa.
The meeting was formally opened this morning by crown Prince of the Kingdom of Tonga, Tupoutoʻa ʻUlukalala.
Prime Minister James Marape arrived in Nuku'Alofa early this morning under heavy rain pour.
Marape was received by two of his senior state ministers and was escorted to the venue or the opening ceremony of the 53rd PIF Forum.
Despite the heavy rain pour this morning in Nuku'Alofa, the Leaders from the 18 P-I-F members, 21 dialogue partners, numerous observers, private sector representatives, and regional organizations officially opened the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum at the new, Tonga high school indoor stadium.
Tonga’s vision for the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting this year is for the Pacific to move beyond policy deliberation to implementation.
Some of the agenda’s lined up for discussion during the meeting include shared interests in trade, concerns over geopolitics, climate change, recovery from the economic shocks of COVID-19, and various others.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres was among the important guests present for the meetig.
He acknowledged the PACIFIC leader's efforts in raising their voice against global issues which impact the Pacifc Island nations.
He challenged the pacific leaders to continue to increase their voice in global discussions.
Following the official opening remarks from the royal prince and Chairman of the PIF meeting, Tonga Prime minister, Hu’akavemeiliku Sovaleni formally welcomed his colleague leaders to the country for the regional gathering.
The Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meet annually to develop collective responses to regional issues and deliver on their vision for a resilient Pacific Region of peace, harmony, security, social inclusion and prosperity, that ensures all Pacific peoples can lead free, healthy and productive lives.