leaders meeting

Forum to discuss Vanuatu's intent to defer hosting Leaders Summit

The Government of Vanuatu has formally advised the Forum of its intention to defer the 51st Pacific Islands Forum Meeting scheduled for 4 - 7 August 2020 to next year.

The Vanuatu National Taskforce recommended to the Government to defer in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A meeting of the Vanuatu Council of Ministers discussed the recommendation at a meeting last month.

 

Photo PIF Caption: PIF Leaders at their meeting in Tuvalu in 2019 

     

North Korea's Kim Jong-un crosses into South Korea

Smiling and waving, South Korean President Moon Jae-in met Mr Kim at the border before talks begin.

At the summit venue, Mr Kim said that he hoped for frank discussions.

The historic meeting will focus on the North's recent indications it could be willing to give up its nuclear weapons.

In a moment rich with symbolism, Mr Kim and Mr Moon shook hands on both sides of the border in the demilitarised zone.

The South Korean president briefly stepped into the border into North Korea as well - an unexpected moment.

Port Moresby to host Melanesian leaders summit

Papua New Guinea's capital will host the summit from 10-15 February when PNG is to assume the MSG chairmanship from Solomon Islands.

The group also includes Vanuatu, Fiji and New Caledonia's FLNKS Kanaks Movement.

According to the secretariat, PNG's focus for discussions at the summit is on sustainable development goals outlined in the MSG 2038 Prosperity for All Plan.

It's been two-and-a-half years since the last full MSG leaders summit in Honiara, with a number of leaders' meeting deferred.