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Kiribati president Anote Tong says the ‘Engaging with Pacific’ meeting has brought to the fore the underlying roles and objectives that the Pacific Islands Forum needs to play in terms of development in the region.
He said the atmosphere and tone of the first ever ‘Engaging with Pacific’ meeting held in Fiji last week is what needs to be restored in the Pacific Islands Forum.
The Kiribati president made these comments to Fiji’s Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama during their bilateral meeting this morning.
A press statement issued from government today stated Tong congratulating the Prime Minister for hosting such a successful meeting with Pacific Leaders in a truly Pacific way through frank and open talanoa sessions.
Bainimarama acknowledged President Tong’s comments, adding that whilst our critics had their say on the meeting, the Fiji Government was open and transparent about its intention of the meeting, which is to inform the Pacific Leaders of the progresses that the country was undergoing.
“This especially through the implementation of the current reforms programs as espoused in the Roadmap to Democracy and Sustainable Socio-economic development, Fiji’s Strategic Framework for Change and Peoples Charter for Change, Peace and Progress.” He said
Bainimarama thanked President Tong for his openness and frank discussions on the Fiji situation during the meeting.
“This was also reflected in the overall position of the Pacific Island countries in supporting Fiji’s Roadmap,” he said.
He added that comments made by President Tong were very good for Fiji.
“This, in fact is what the Pacific Islands is known for and that which is to support each other’s development.”
By Rachna Lal
