The Solomon Islands Government has confirmed that all 17 Pacific Island Forum (PIF) Leaders will attend the 54th PIF Leaders Meeting in Honiara next month.
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Sir Dr Jimmie Rodgers, told SBM Online Monday that all leaders have confirmed their attendance despite earlier reports suggesting otherwise.
Concerns were raised after the Solomon Islands Government announced it would not invite Post-Forum Dialogue (PFD) partners to this year’s meeting. The PFD involves 21 partner countries, and some had threatened not to attend the Forum in protest.
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele explained in Parliament that his government’s decision to defer the PFD was taken “in the spirit of sovereignty and respect for the Pacific Way,” consistent with the decision made at the 53rd PIF Leaders Meeting in Tonga last year.
Sir Jimmie said the government has now received firm confirmation from all Forum members. “There will be 17 leaders in total, with Prime Minister Manele being the 18th,” he said.
The 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting will run from 8–12 September in Honiara, with the Leaders’ Retreat to be held in Noro, Western Province.
Meanwhile, preparations continue with Australia and China donating vehicles to assist the event. Australia provided 61 police-fitted vehicles to support security operations, while China donated 27 vehicles to be used by Pacific leaders during the Forum.
Source: Pacnews
