Statement by Henry Puna, Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum
On the Kiribati announcement of return to the Pacific Islands Forum
01 February 2023
I am delighted at the announcement on 30 January, from the Office of the President of Kiribati, confirming their intention to return to the Pacific Islands Forum.
This follows the successful meeting earlier this month between His Excellency Taneti Maamau, President of Kiribati, and the Prime Minister of Fiji and Forum Chair, the Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka.
I am grateful to all who have worked tirelessly to restore the Pacific Islands Forum to its full solidarity. This is a profound moment in the history of Pacific regionalism and as we move forward together, I hope that we can look on the last 24 months as a reflection of our collective will to protect and uphold the unity of our Forum Family.
I acknowledge the statesmanship of Prime Minister Rabuka and the spirit and willingness of President Maamau in bridging this way forward. It is a moment of celebration as we continue to weave our Pacific story of resilience and solidarity, underpinned by our own Pacific Way.
[ENDS]
Media Contact:
Lisa Williams, Public Affairs Adviser, Pacific Islands Forum, Email: media@forumsec.org
