The Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Lenora Qereqeretabua represented Fiji at the Melanesian Spearhead Group Foreign Ministers Meeting (FMM) held in Port Vila, Vanuatu on Wednesday 27th March.
Also in attendance was Fiji’s Roving Ambassador Mr. William Toganivalu who attended the preceding meeting of Senior Officials (SOM) on Tuesday 26th March. He was accompanied by Mrs. Rosa Lewanavanua, First Secretary of the Fiji High Commission in Papua New Guinea.
In her remarks, Hon. Qereqeretabua spoke on Fiji’s commitment to the solidarity of the MSG family, and common belief that together as a sub-region, MSG can address the needs and aspirations of our peoples.
The Assistant Minister acknowledged the unified approach undertaken to finalise 2024 Work Program and Budget, an important component that drives the membership and work of MSG Secretariat.
On the same note, Hon. Qereqeretabua encouraged the MSG family to take leadership roles in regional organisations and in the international arena shaping global agendas.
In reaffirming Fiji’s continued support to the MSG, Hon. Qereqeretabua said Fiji looks forward to seeing it play an increasing role in the future for a better Melanesia and Pacific.
The MSG family embraced the message that it’s only right that we work in unity to realise the vision that it has, for all of us and that we owe, not only to our people but to our visionary leaders that enabled the establishment of the MSG Secretariat.
In conclusion, Hon. Qereqeretabua said Fiji looks forward to undertake the role of MSG Chairmanship in August this year as we work towards building a stronger Melanesia.
Among the countries present at the two day meeting included Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea (PNG) and The Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS) of New Caledonia, and respective MSG senior government officials.
The MSG FMM is responsible for the determination of the MSG’s general policies and delivers the core functions as directed by the MSG Leader’s Meeting, which is the pre-eminent decision-making body of the MSG.
As part of the official engagements in Vanuatu, the Assistant Minister met with Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, Hon. Justin Tkatchenko and the MSG Director General Mr. Leonard Louma.
