Prime Minister Matthew Wale and Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka have called for a stronger and more united Pacific voice, urging regional leaders to work together to shape the region’s future and tackle common challenges.
The call came during bilateral talks in Suva today, where the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to regional solidarity and closer cooperation ahead of the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Palau.
As Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), Wale said Pacific leaders must take a proactive and strategic approach to advancing the region’s priorities.
“Solomon Islands is committed to a secure and stable region through unity and Pacific solidarity,” he said.
The leaders also discussed developments within the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), with Wale acknowledging Fiji’s leadership as the current MSG Chair.
On regional trade, Wale reaffirmed Solomon Islands’ support for ongoing discussions on the future of the MSG Trade Agreement.
“Solomon Islands supports and has signed the MSG Free Trade Agreement 3 concluded in 2016, which aims to establish the MSG as a free trade area,” he said.
Wale added that while the agreement has played an important role in promoting regional trade over the past three decades, it must continue to evolve to meet changing economic conditions and global trade trends.
At the bilateral level, Wale described Fiji as one of Solomon Islands’ key strategic partners, citing long-standing cooperation in education, health, security and cultural exchange.
“Our friendship has been strengthened through close cooperation in education, security, health partnerships and cultural exchange, underpinned by strong historical people-to-people connections,” he said.
The two Prime Ministers also agreed to strengthen air connectivity between Solomon Islands and Fiji.
Rabuka said the traditional welcome accorded to Wale reflected the respect Fiji has for a leader committed to advancing Pacific interests.
He said Pacific leaders must continue to speak with one voice in pursuing the aspirations of the region’s people.
Rabuka also pledged Fiji’s support for initiatives led by Wale as Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, saying they would be discussed further at the Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Palau.
