The Acting Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Andie Fong Toy today signed a Grant Agreement with the Acting High Commissioner of Australia to Fiji, Judith Robinson covering Australia’s 2012 annual membership to the Forum and as well as its annual contribution to the Secretariat’s Work Programme for this year. Australia’s assistance to the Forum Secretariat is delivered under AusAID and has been substantial with over $60 million provided since 1988. The funding extended under this new Grant Agreement for 2012 amounts to AUD6.75 million (FJD 12.5 million). “The Forum Secretariat is very grateful to the Government and people of Australia for their continued support of the work of the Secretariat. This support allows us to strengthen regional cooperation initiatives,” says Ms Fong Toy. “This financial assistance will enable the Secretariat to implement Leaders’ decisions on the key pillars of the Pacific Plan, including important Forum Compact work in promoting effective coordination of development resources, support for trade and economic growth initiatives, and promotion of good governance and security. It will also assist the Secretariat to coordinate and contribute to regional efforts on addressing priorities such as pursing the Millennium Development Goals.” ENDS. For media enquiries, contact Mr Johnson Honimae, the Forum Secretariat’s Media Officer on phone: 679 331 2600 or email: johnsonh@forumsec.org.fj
