PIF, Fiji, 6 June 2023 -- In-country high-level consultations for the Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General, Henry Puna are currently underway for Samoa and Australia.
From Samoa where he will meet with Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, during his first official visit to Samoa as the Forum Secretary-General, SG Puna will travel onwards to Canberra, and meet with the Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, next week.
The high-level consultations are part of the Secretary General’s visits to Forum member countries to engage with Leaders to discuss current and emerging regional priorities, including with senior government officials and non -state actors, the private sector, and civil society organizations. The visits provide the opportunity to listen to the views of Forum member countries and progress deeper discussions on how these positions shape Member’s contribution to regionalism.
“I began my tenure with the Forum in the midst of border shutdowns and am catching up on lost time, so reconnecting to Forum Leaders and the people we serve, in their communities, is an important aspect of this work for me,” said SG Puna.
He said the national missions offer an important opportunity “to better understand the unique context of each individual member, and how their local realities shape their regional contributions and worldview.”
While in Samoa, SG Puna will deliver a Special Address reflecting on his tenure to date and his vision for his final year at the helm of the Pacific Islands Forum. To be hosted by the Prime Minister of Samoa, the Honourable Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, the Special Address will take place on Thursday 8 June 2023 at the Taumeasina Resort in Apia. --ENDS
