BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Small Islands States (SIS) and the leaders of the Pacific ACP convened yesterday, marking the commencement of this year’s 54th series of meetings for the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders in Honiara.
The meetings took place in the conference room of the Forum Fisheries Agency.
During the SIS meeting HE Wesley Simina, the outgoing Chair of the Small Island States and President of the Federated States of Micronesia, transferred the chairmanship to HE Taneti Maamau, the president of the Republic of Kiribati.
“Our remoteness and vulnerability do not signify weakness; rather, they serve as enduring reminders of the necessity for the SIS to remain united. Our collective presence underscores that true Pacific solidarity is not measured by averages, but by our capacity to uplift the most vulnerable among us,” stated Simina.
In response to former Chair H.E. Simina, the Chair of SIS expressed his honor in taking on the role of Chair for the Smaller Island States at this significant juncture in their shared journey.
“I appreciate your trust and support in this position. The discussions we engage in today hold significance that extends far beyond this room. They will influence the visibility of the Smaller Island States in the wider Forum discussions this week, and they will convey a message to our partners and the international community,” Maamau said.
The gathering of the Pacific ACP leaders also commenced with the official transfer of the Pacific ACP Leaders chairmanship, moving from Dr. Aisake Eke, Prime Minister of Tonga, to Jeremiah Manele, Prime Minister of Solomon Islands.
“As the Solomon Islands takes on the leadership of our Pacific ACP initiatives, we do so with a keen awareness of the responsibilities that lie ahead.
“On behalf of the Government and the People of the Solomon Islands, I would like to extend a heartfelt welcome to each of you in the Solomon Islands. It is both an honour and a privilege to host this meeting of the Pacific ACP Leaders here in Honiara,” stated the chair of the Pacific ACP Leaders, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele.
“Our objective is to build upon this foundation and steer our collective efforts during a time when our Blue Pacific region is confronted with increased challenges, as well as new opportunities,” he added.
