In the true Pacific way, Fijian Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama has called on fellow Pacific Leaders to strengthen ties and have greater understanding and amicable solutions on critical issues of the region.
While delivering his official remarks at the virtual dialogue between the Forum Troika Plus and Micronesian Presidents Forum Monday, Prime Minister Bainimarama commended the Micronesian Leaders for assenting to the meeting and for their commitment to keep the Pacific spirit alive and regional solidarity intact.
The Prime Minister also conveyed his sincere appreciation to the Leaders for their understanding following what transpired from the last Pacific Island Leaders Forum meeting, and this, he assured them of his full support “in our joint efforts to resolve the impasse through this dialogue mechanism.”
Discussions at the dialogue particularly, focused on the importance of a fair and frank political exchange with the Micronesian Presidents Summit (MPS) based on the characteristics of the Pacific way of open and respectful dialogues and understanding and appreciating the underlying concerns of the MPS in relation to its withdrawal from the PIF.
Prime Minister Bainimarama said at the dialogue that the concerns raised by the Micronesian Leaders may need to be looked at more closely with some careful attention and urgency and he is committed to looking at all these issues in this dialogue process in a comprehensive manner that meets all our expectations.
“I appreciate the situation that the Micronesians are in now and strongly believe that we should reflect on all their concerns and find ways to resolve them amicably.”
At the dialogue, it was also discussed that there are a number of important regional review processes that are underway based on the Leaders’ decision and these include the review of the PIF meeting processes, review of the Secretary-General appointment procedures, formulation of the region’s 2050 Strategy and review of the regional architecture.
Prime Minister Bainimarama added; “Let us collectively reflect on the issues raised by our fellow Micronesian Leaders today and deliberate further in our next meeting. I ask that we take our dialogue a step at a time and be flexible in our approach that reflects our true Pacific Way.”
SOURCE: FIJI GOVERNMENT
