Pacific Islands Forum senior officials have begun work on a regional response mechanism to address the growing energy crisis linked to instability in the Middle East, following a decision by Forum Leaders to invoke the Biketawa Declaration earlier this month.
A special session of the Forum Officials Committee (FOC) was convened on 20 May and chaired by Symone Ubedei, Chief of the Division of Asia Pacific, Bureau of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ministry of State from Palau.
The meeting focused on operationalising the regional response agreed by Pacific leaders amid concerns over the economic and energy impacts of the Middle East crisis on Pacific Island countries.
Senior officials discussed the structure and governance arrangements for a proposed Regional Response Mechanism, including the technical support required to ensure effective implementation across the region.
To strengthen coordination, the Heads of the Council of Regional Organisations of the Pacific (CROP) have established a dedicated CROP Taskforce on the Middle East Crisis.
The taskforce will monitor developments, coordinate technical advice across sectors and provide consolidated analysis to support regional decision-making.
The special FOC meeting was held ahead of a Special Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting scheduled for later this week.
Outcomes from the officials’ discussions are expected to guide Foreign Ministers as they consider the proposed Regional Response Mechanism in response to the emerging regional energy crisis.
