Fiji at the Forefront in Upscaling Regional Engagements for PALM 9
Minister for Defence, National Security and Policing, Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Inia Seruiratu, represented Fiji in the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting ( PALM) Ministerial Interim Meeting ( MIM) for PALM 9, which was held in the form of a video conference on Tuesday.
Minister for Defence, National Security and Policing, Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management
Fiji has been at the centre stage in leading engagements at the meeting which was co-chaired by the
Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Motegi Toshimitsu and the Minister for Justice, Communications and Foreign Affairs of Tuvalu, current chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, Simon Kofe. Representatives from the 18 Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) members, including Foreign Ministers, attended the meeting, with the objective of reviewing the progress on the outcomes of PALM 8, which
was held in May 2018, and exchange views on PALM 9, which is to be held at Shima City, Mie Prefecture, in 2021.
Fiji was among the following PIF members that participated in the MIM PALM; Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, French Polynesia, New
Caledonia, Australia and New Zealand.
In delivering his statement at this meeting, Minister Seruiratu commended the efforts of Japan in forging stronger levels of partnership and enhanced cooperation afforded to the Pacific region through this PALM process.
“It is a clear demonstration of Japan’s commitment to the region, which is indeed highly welcomed by all Pacific countries. I also take this opportunity to recognise the renewed approach and partnership that we have seen in the PALM process in recent years, including the engagement of the full forum membership through the PALM mechanism,” Minister Seruiratu said. “We would all appreciate that this approach not only enhances the effectiveness of Japan’s partnership in the Pacific region, but ensures that it addresses and contributes to the progress of our collective regional priorities.
Fiji called for international and regional solidarity in mapping the way forward to rebuilding back better and stronger.
In reflecting on the historic commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Pacific Islands Forum next year, Minister Seruiratu emphasised on the importance of PIF’s role in shaping the regional architecture that is relevant and responsive, coupled with effective development partnerships to respond to the regional priorities.
Minister Seruiratu impressed upon the importance of 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent in advancing the region’s Sustainable Development moving forward, post COVID-19.
“As the world continues to witness the case of climate change, we remain optimistic of the resolve of Pacific peoples and our ability to rise above challenges more resilient and stronger than ever before.”
As the world continues to witness the case of climate change, we remain optimistic of the resolve of Pacific peoples and our ability to rise above challenges more resilient and stronger than ever before. Inia Seruiratu