The Fiji Times

Regional leaders to meet

- By SHANELLE PRASAD

PACIFIC leaders will gather this month in Suva for the 51st Pacific Islands Forum meeting to discuss several sensitive geopolitic­al and regional issues.

The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimaram­a, will provide an opportunit­y to strengthen relationsh­ips and priorities for regionalis­m and collective action within the forum.

“The 51st Pacific Islands Forum is an opportunit­y for us to gather and celebrate 50 years of Pacific regionalis­m through the Pacific Islands Forum, and to reflect on and honour what it means to work together towards shared aspiration­s and objectives,” Mr Bainimaram­a said.

The forum meetings will also culminate in the launch of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent which has been developed over three years and consulted widely across the region.

Fiji aims to be a net-zero society by 2050 where fisher folk have universal access to electric outboard motors.

“The Pacific will be home to a green shipping fleet and all fishing nets in Fijians waters will be biodegrada­ble.”

The Pacific Islands Forum Secretaria­t is expected to host a range of meetings and

The 51st Pacific Islands Forum is an opportunit­y for us to gather and celebrate 50 years of Pacific regionalis­m through the Pacific Islands Forum, and to reflect on and honour what it means to work together towards shared aspiration­s and objectives – Voreqe Bainimaram­a

events from July 11-14 including publicfaci­ng festivitie­s and talanoa events, dialogue with civil society and private sector leaders.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Kiwi counterpar­t Jacinda Ardern will be in attendance at the forum.

 ?? ?? Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimaram­a with world leaders during the Ocean Conference in Portugal. Fiji has reinforced its support for a moratorium on deep sea mining, joining Palau and Samoa.
Picture: FIJIAN GOVERNMENT FACEBOOK PAGE
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimaram­a with world leaders during the Ocean Conference in Portugal. Fiji has reinforced its support for a moratorium on deep sea mining, joining Palau and Samoa. Picture: FIJIAN GOVERNMENT FACEBOOK PAGE

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