The deputy Prime Minister is backing New Zealand’s bid to host the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM) in 2027 and reaffirms the country’s commitment to the region.
In an interview on Pacific Mornings, David Seymour compares the PIF to the United Nations and highlights the importance of ongoing participation in these discussions.
His comments follow Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters’ appeal at last week’s PIF Foreign Ministers meeting in Suva for New Zealand to host the 2027 PIF Leaders’ Meeting.
The last time New Zealand hosted the leaders’ meeting was in 2011.
“With any kind of political meeting, there’ll be people that say we don’t really like that meeting and we didn’t get much out of it, but it is important to keep on talking,” Seymour said.
“But even I don’t think that we should abandon having a place where the world goes to talk. It’s the same with the Pacific Islands Forum, people can criticise it.
“But I think it’s important that New Zealand shows that we’re invested in the Pacific.
“We are a Pacific nation. We value our friendships with all of the Pacific Island nations, and we’re putting forward a bid to say, look, if the other forum leaders would like to see New Zealand host it, then we’re ready to do our part.”
The decision over the bid will be made at next month’s leaders’ meeting in Honiara.
