LEADER of Opposition Matthew Wale says the Prime Minister chose not to attend PIF leaders meeting in Washington because he is anti-US.

In a statement, Wale said it is obvious from the Prime Minister’s explanation that he dislikes the US.

The Opposition Leader said it is clear from the start that Prime Minister Sogavare never liked the US.

“It is not in the best interest of this country to treat our friends with disrespect. It is clear that the Prime Minister has his preference when it comes to development partners of his choice,” he said.

The Opposition Leader said all our development partners must be treated fairly and equally whether it be Japan, China, US, Australia, Korea to name a few.

“The Government’s friend to all enemies to none policy is becoming a joke. 

“It is not in the best interest of this country to even think that we are on an equal playing ground where big powers play,” he said.

Wale said the explanations by the Prime Minister to the media contradicts himself and clearly shows his hate for the US.

The Opposition Leader said the latest snub by Sogavare is the latest of a long list of actions taken by him since 2019 that show his anti-US position.

Sogavare travelled to the US last week to address the annual United Nations General Assembly in New York.

But he refused President Biden’s invitation to attend the Pacific leaders’ meeting at the White House.

On arrival on Wednesday, he told reporters he has more pressing issues to attend to at home than attending a meeting that only allows each leader to speak for three minutes.