The Foreign Ministers Meeting (FMM) held today as part of the 3 days MSG Governing Body Meetings concluded on a high note with, MSG Members reaffirming their commitment to strengthen collaboration as a way forward to advance the common interests and development of the Melanesian sub-region and Pacific region.
The MSG Governing Body meetings has been organised by the Fijian Government in collaboration with the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Government as current chair of the MSG.
The Foreign Ministers Meeting (FMM) today provided an opportunity for MSG leaders to deliberate on key outcomes and recommendations developed through the two days of the MSG Senior Officials Meeting (SOM).
FMM was officially opened by the Honourable Patrick Pruaitch, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Papua New Guinea and Chair of the FMM.
In his opening address, Minister Pruaitch emphasised that FMM is an important platform to consolidate plans and programs to advance MSG vision on developing subregional diplomacy and friendly relations, nurture peace and harmony, encourage free trade economic and technical cooperation and promote Melanesian traditions and cultures.
“I trust the wealth of knowledge and experience in this room this morning will ensure that we agree on key recommendations for our sub-region and more importantly decisions to further strengthen the work of the MSG Secretariat.
“What is before us in a snapshot is the Melanesian Free Trade Agreement, the issue of ratification of our various MSG Treaties, the new arts and culture and Sports Program of the Secretariat, and among these exciting programmes is the revival of the Melanesian Football Cup to be known as the MSG Prime Ministers Cup, and of course the MSG Regional Strategy and the MSG Climate Finance Strategy and many other policy intentions all geared towards making MSG peaceful, prosperous, forward looking and relevant to the changing circumstances of our time,” Minister Pruaitch said.
While delivering Fiji’s statement at FMM, Minister for Foreign Affairs, National Security and Defence, Inia Seruiratu stated that deliberations at FMM is a great opportunity to advance the common aspirations on sustainable development and prosperity.
“Fiji believes in the strength of the sub-region as a collective in advancing common development issues for our peoples. There is a lot that we can look forward to as an organization. I see greatness in our Organisation. There are so many opportunities for us to seize and unlimited potential for us to nurture. It is therefore incumbent upon all of us to see these opportunities and acknowledge these potentials to fully realize our purpose.”
Minister Seruiratu reiterated that FMM is a platform to deliver the Leaders’ mandate with a view to enhancing their level of cooperation and engagement within the Melanesian vuvale and with its strategic partners.
In his opening remarks, Director General of the MSG Secretariat Ambassador Amena Yauvoli thanked the Fijian Government for its great support in hosting the MSG Governing Body Meetings.
He called on the MSG to step up its engagements and solidarity for the robust implementation of the “MSG 2038 Prosperity for All Plan” and the achievement of “Sustainable Development Goals 2030.”
He said the strength of the organisation is within the strong vision, leadership and commitment as emphasised through the 3 day MSG Governing Body Meetings held in Suva.