BY NED GAGAHE
Harry Kuma, the Minister for the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration, has highlighted the pivotal role of collaboration in addressing migration challenges across the Pacific.
Speaking at the 26th Pacific Immigration Development Community’s (PIDC) Annual Meeting, Minister Kuma welcomed esteemed delegates and partners, highlighting their collective efforts in fostering regional cooperation.
Minister Kuma underscored the meeting’s significance in enhancing dialogue and sharing best practices to combat issues like human trafficking and irregular migration, aiming for sustainable solutions across Pacific nations.
“PIDC Chair, I am pleased to acknowledge the following partners that have been working with the Solomon Islands Immigration Division and as observers; the PIDC Secretariat, Australian Border Force, Papua New Guinea Immigration Citizenship Service Authority, New Zealand Government, International Organization for Migration, United Nation Office for Drugs, United States Department, European Union, Oceania Customs Organization, Pacific Transnational Organized Crime, Forum Fishery Agency, Australian Federal Police, Pacific Chief of Police, United Nation Human Right Commission, Pacific Islands Forum, South Pacific Commission, Pacific Security College, International Civil Aviation Organization and the Bali Regional Support office.
“PIDC Chair and esteemed delegates, the Solomon Islands Government is truly pleased to have Immigration experts, development partners, law enforcement officers and technical experts, who will over the course of three days contribute to constructive discussions. We will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, share best practices, and explore new avenues for cooperation in the field of migration management. By exchanging knowledge and experiences, we can enhance our collective capacity to address the complex challenges posed by migration, such as human trafficking, irregular migration, and the protection of vulnerable populations.
Minister Kuma expressed confidence that the meeting serves as a platform for productive dialogue and collaboration, paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for all our nations.
“Together, we can build a Pacific community that embraces diversity, celebrates unity, and values the contributions of every individual.
“We expect that the outcomes of the 26th PIDC Regional Annual Meeting will be successful and eventually inform policies, and decision makings to promote national and regional solutions and cooperation.
“I therefore, urge all participants, distinguished delegates, and the Secretariat to make best use of the opportunity of the 26th PIDC Regular Annual Meeting here in Honiara. I wish you all a successful and fruitful meeting. Let us together, embark on this journey towards a better future.
“In closing, I would like to express my gratitude to the Pacific Immigration Development Community, Salomon Islands Immigration Division and the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration for co-hosting the 26th PIDC Regular Annual Meeting in Honiara, Solomon Islands. I also would like to thank all participants of this meeting for your dedication and commitment to advancing the goals of the Pacific Immigration Development Community.
Let us seize this opportunity to make a positive impact and shape a brighter future for the blue Pacific.” Minister Kuma said.
