PNG to chair MSG

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

PNG High Commissioner to Solomon Islands His Excellency (HE) Mr Fred Yakasa

PAPUA New Guinea (PNG) is expected to take over as new Chair of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) from the current – Solomon Islands.

As such, the MSG Leaders’ meetings and other related meetings (SOM and FMM) will be hosted in PNG.

Speaking during their 42nd Independence Celebration at the PNG Chancery in Honiara over the weekend, PNG High Commissioner to Solomon Islands His Excellency (HE) Mr Fred Yakasa assured that PNG continues to work closely with the country through their membership with MSG and regional and international fronts.

“We have an important role to support and build the Organization to become successful in serving the sub-region to achieve its goals and objectives, given the political governance challenges, economic and social challenges faced,” said the PNG High Commissioner.

“Other areas of regional and international cooperation include addressing the issue of climate change through the Pacific Islands Forum and other renowned regional and sub-regional blocs as well as through participation at international forums like the Commonwealth and United Nations amongst others.”

Solomon Islands Prime Minister on confirming the handover of the MSG Chairmanship to PNG’s Prime Minister Hon Peter O’Neill thanked PNG for their leadership role in the Pacific Region.

“Dear friend (PNG), our two countries have many unfinished business on which we will soon find time to talk about our development cooperation,” said the Prime Minister.

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