MSG Leaders Meeting Ends On a High Note
The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) members have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen collaboration as a way forward to advance the common interests and development of Melanesian sub-region and Pacific region. The Foreign Ministers Meeting (FMM) yesterday concluded the three days MSG Governing Body Meeting on a high note at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva.
The MSG Governing Body meetings were organised by the Fijian Government in collaboration with the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Government as current chair of the MSG.
Peaceful and prosperous MSG
The Foreign Ministers Meeting provided an opportunity for MSG leaders to deliberate on key outcomes and recommendations developed through the two days of MSG Senior Officials Meeting (SOM).
The meeting was officially opened by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Papua New Guinea and Chair of the FMM, Patrick Pruaitch.
Minister Pruaitch emphasised that FMM is an important platform to consolidate plans and programmes to advance MSG vision on developing subregional diplomacy and friendly relations, nurture peace and harmony, encourage free trade economic and technical cooperation and promote Melanesian traditions and cultures.
“I trust the wealth of knowledge and experience in this room this morning will ensure that we agree on key recommendations for our sub-region and more importantly decisions to further strengthen the work of the MSG Secretariat.
“What is before us in a snapshot is the Melanesian Free Trade Agreement, the issue of ratification of our various MSG Treaties, the new arts and culture and Sports Programme of the Secretariat.
“Among these exciting programmes is the revival of the Melanesian Football Cup to be known as the MSG Prime Ministers Cup, and of course the MSG Regional Strategy and the MSG Climate Finance Strategy and many other policy intentions all geared towards making
MSG peaceful, prosperous, forward looking and relevant to the changing circumstances of our time,” Minister Pruaitch said. He also commended the MSG Director-General, Ambassador Amena Yauvoli for his fine achievements, especially in rescuing the Secretariat from its precarious financial difficulties through the reforms he initiated since 2016.
“Indeed your able leadership and the reform programme has set precedents that will guide the further strengthening of the Secretariat.
“I have no doubt that the good work you brought to the Secretariat will be cherished for many years to come.”
Deliberations
Minister for Foreign Affairs, National Security and Defence, Inia Seruiratu stated that deliberations at FMM was a great opportunity to advance the common aspirations on sustainable development and prosperity.
“Fiji believes in the strength of the sub-region as a collective in advancing common development issues for our peoples. “There is a lot that we can look forward to as an organisation. I see greatness tion.
“There are so many opportunities for us to seize and unlimited potential for us to nurture.
“It is therefore incumbent upon all of us to see this opportunities and acknowledge these potentials to fully realise our purpose.”
Minister Seruiratu reiterated that FMM is a platform to deliver the Leaders’ mandate with a view to enhancing their level of co-operation and engagement within the Melanesian vuvale and with its strategic partners. Mr Yauvoli thanked the Fijian Government for its great support in hosting the MSG Governing Body Meetings.
He called on the MSG to step up its engagements and solidarity for the robust implementation of the “MSG 2038 Prosperity for All Plan” and the achievement of “Sustainable Development Goals 2030.”
He said the strength of the organisation is within the strong vision, leadership and commitment as emphasised through the three days of MSG Governing Body Meetings held in Suva.
The meeting was attended by representatives from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and the Front de Libération Nationale Kanak et Socialiste (FLNKS), the main proindependence movement from New Caledonia. Indonesia is an associate member. in our organisa