PIF outcomes expected this afternoon

The 16 leaders of the Pacific Island Forum (PIF) are now in closed door meetings in Port Moresby to discuss resolutions on the five topics they have been discussing at the 46th PIF leaders meeting this week.

An official communique expected at the end of the day will give the region’s stand on:

  • climate change and disaster risk management,

  • increased economic returns from fisheries activity and maritime surveillance,

  • regional information and communication technology,

  • cervical cancer screening and prevention and

  • West Papua.

The outcome will be known this afternoon when the PIF chair and host Prime Minister Peter O’Neill meets the media at 4pm.  

Granting full membership to PIF observers will also be on the leader’s discussion agenda. 

O’Neill said yesterday that, “issues of Pacific regionalism, issues surrounding French Polynesia and New Caledonia for full membership, the needs of small island states, human security and immigration were also discussed at the plenary yesterday.”

15 prime minister and presidents representing the PIF nations are attending, while Fiji is represented by its Foreign Affairs Minister.  

Author: 
Charles Yapumi