Prime Minister Matthew Wale joined fellow Melanesian leaders on the sidelines of Pre-COP31 in Nadi, Fiji, for a high-level meeting of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) to strengthen regional solidarity, advance economic cooperation, and address key security and border priorities.
Chaired by Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka at the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa, the meeting brought together the Prime Ministers of Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, and Solomon Islands, along with representatives from New Caledonia’s Front de Libération Nationale Kanak et Socialiste (FLNKS).
During the summit, leaders exchanged views on shared regional challenges and explored ways to reinforce the MSG’s role as a driving force for Melanesian interests on the global stage.
Discussions covered regional climate finance mechanisms, the future direction of the sub-regional bloc, and human rights and self-determination issues, including West Papua and New Caledonia.
Earlier, Prime Minister Wale held a bilateral meeting with Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat to address pressing bilateral priorities.
The two prime ministers agreed to expedite work on finalizing the remaining maritime boundary between Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.
They directed officials from both governments to establish implementation protocols for the Tirivau Agreement and build on the existing framework of the Motalava Lava Treaty to reach a final resolution through traditional Melanesian consensus.
Prime Minister Wale and Prime Minister Napat also held dedicated discussions on West Papua, reaffirming their shared commitment to regional stability and constructive dialogue on issues affecting the broader Melanesian family.
Meanwhile, host Prime Minister Rabuka held separate talks with MSG counterparts to discuss advancing the MSG Trade Agreement and reinforcing the group’s collective positioning ahead of international climate negotiations at COP31.
The Nadi gathering brought regional and international leaders together ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye next month.
