Photo from left to right Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, President Surangel Whipps Jr., Prime Minister ‘Aisake Eke, Prime Minister Mark Brown, PIFS Secretary Baron Waqa.
Media Release – Issued jointly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) and the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM)
Pacific Islands Forum Troika Leaders gathered in Nadi this week for their first in-person meeting of 2025, reaffirming their commitment to collective priorities and navigating the region through a continually evolving geopolitical landscape. Among the Leaders present were the Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, Hon. Mark Brown; Forum Chair and Prime Minister of Tonga, Hon. Dr. ‘Aisake Valu Eke; incoming Forum Chair and Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Hon. Jeremiah Manele; and President of Palau, H.E. Surangel Whipps Jr., representing the Micronesian sub-region in discussions on regional governance reform.
Prime Minister Mark Brown emphasised the significance of the gathering, noting, “This meeting was an important opportunity to strengthen our regional coordination on the most pressing issues facing the Blue Pacific Continent. In these uncertain times, unity must remain our greatest strength.”
The Leaders discussed the progress of the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF), the upcoming 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, and next steps in the Review of the Regional Architecture, including the finalisation of the High-Level Political Group (HLPG) tasked with carrying out Pacific-wide consultations on advancing deeper regionalism.
Reflecting on his long-standing involvement with the PRF since its inception, Prime Minister Brown added, “Having championed the PRF right from the beginning as Finance Minister, it is personally satisfying to see us reach this stage. I look forward to progressing capitalisation of the facility, and to collectively ensuring it delivers its intended practical outcomes; financing that is accessible, efficient, and responsive to our people’s needs. We want to eliminate the red tape, and any unnecessary bureaucracy.”
In welcoming an update from the Secretary General on the situation in New Caledonia, following recent engagements with the French State, Prime Minister Brown highlighted the importance of transparent regional communication,
“Our regional solidarity depends on mutual awareness and shared understanding. I look forward to our fellow Leaders receiving these updates shortly, so that we may all have a deeper understanding of the issues at hand.”
The Troika also reviewed the global policy shifts affecting the Pacific, including recent decisions by the United States impacting regional dynamics. Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to open dialogue with all Forum Dialogue Partners, underscoring the Pacific’s sovereign right to choose its development partners while upholding principles of genuine and durable partnerships.
On the Review of the Regional Architecture, Prime Minister Brown commented, “This is a pivotal moment to ensure that our Pacific institutions are fit-for-purpose. With its composition now finalised, the HLPG must begin its work swiftly, with a focus on delivering a structure that reflects our ambitions under the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.”
The next Troika meeting is scheduled for June 2025, where Leaders will further review progress and prepare for the upcoming Forum Leaders Meeting.
