As the Special Melanesian Spearhead Group Summit proper began this week in Suva, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Chair of the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (FMM), Ratu Inoke Kubuabola welcomed delegates from the five MSG countries.
The two – week long meeting which sees updates and extensive discussions on issues affecting the MSG region which includes border security, economic growth, trade, preserving of traditional knowledge, sports and other important issues in the interest of Melanesia.
“Fiji is pleased to hold this Special Summit and would like to welcome all delegations to our shores,” Ratu Inoke said.
“The Special MSG Summit will have productive and a fruitful discussions and the outcome will benefit MSG member countries.”
The Republic of Indonesia and the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste have been invited as Observers and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg as Special Observer to the meet.
Special guests invited include representatives from the Kingdom of Morocco, the Russias Federation, Peoples Republic of China, South Pacific Commission, the University of the South Pacific and Fiji National University.
Under Fiji’s Chairmanship of the MSG, significant decisions taken at the Leaders Summit held last year included the establishment of the Regional Police Academy (RPA) and the establishment of the MSG Formed Police Unit (FPU). Other decisions include the endorsement of the Report of 01st MSG Mission to New Caledonia that took place from 8-11 June 2010 with the United Nations Special Committee on Decolonization (C24) and formally recognising the work of the MSG in the decolonisation process in New Caledonia.
-End-