The 8th Korea–Pacific Islands Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) was held in Nadi, Fiji, on 21 May 2026, bringing together senior officials from the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Members to advance regional cooperation and shared priorities.
The SOM was co-chaired by the Deputy Minister for Political Affairs of the Republic of Korea, Eui-hae Chung and the Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Fiji, Joseph Ma’ahanua representing the PIF Chair.
Discussions focused on strengthening strategic dialogue and development cooperation aligned with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, particularly across climate action, maritime affairs and fisheries, and economic resilience, while advancing the ROK – Pacific Partnership.
In his opening remarks, Ma’ahanua highlighted the timeliness of the meeting as the region looks ahead to the 2027 Korea – Pacific Islands Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, noting the importance of sustaining momentum built since the 2023 Leaders’ Summit and the 2025 Korea – Pacific Islands Foreign Ministers Meeting discussions.
“It is essential that our cooperation remains aligned with Pacific priorities, including those articulated in the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. Equally important is ensuring Pacific ownership and visibility; our region is not only a Leader in shaping and implementing initiatives that affect our future,” said Ma’ahanua.
Deputy Minister Chung emphasised in her opening statement that, as a globally responsible country, the Republic of Korea will continue to support the sustainable development of the Pacific Island countries in accordance with the priorities set out in the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, an initiative led by the Pacific Island countries to promote peace, security, and prosperity in the Pacific region.
She further noted that, in light of the recent energy crisis and future cooperation in related sectors, she hopes that cooperation between the Republic of Korea and the Pacific Island countries will continue in a mutually beneficial and sustainable manner.
The meeting also acknowledged the Republic of Korea’s continued support through the ROK–PIF Cooperation Fund and reaffirmed collaboration on ongoing initiatives aligned with the regional priorities of PIF Leaders.
Senior Officials received briefings from agencies of the Council of Regional Organisations in the Pacific (CROP) and Korean agencies on the 2025 ROK–Pacific Islands Forum Cooperation Fund.
Presentations were also delivered on emerging business opportunities in the Pacific, including contributions from Nabou Green Energy and the Korea Overseas Fisheries Association. The presentations highlighted the growing role of sustainable investment and private sector engagement in advancing regional development priorities.
These discussions between the senior officials will inform the agenda for the next ROK –Pacific Islands Foreign Ministers’ Meeting which will be held in 2027.
The Republic of Korea has been a Dialogue Partner of the Pacific Islands Forum since 1995.
