Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Dr Derek Sikua jetted into the country yesterday afternoon ahead of the ‘Engaging with the Pacific’ meeting scheduled for July 22nd and 23rd at the Natadola Intercontinental Golf and Spa Resort.
The arrival of the Solomon Islands Prime Minister shows the commitment that the Solomon Government has towards Fiji and to hear first hand on Fiji’s progress towards democracy.
Permanent Secretary for Information, Sharon Smith-Johns says the attendance of the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands who is in the middle of elections campaign signifies how important he believes this meeting is.
“The meeting next week in addition to receiving a briefing from the Fiji Prime Minister on the progress and challenges of the implementation of the Road Map for Democracy and Sustainable Socio-Economic Development will also discuss important regional development issues like Climate Change.”
“The meeting agenda is still being developed but we will keep it open and fluid to allow the leaders the flexibility to discuss other regional issues they consider important,” Ms. Smith-Johns said.
Secretary to the Solomon Island Prime Minister's Office Jeremiah Manele said elections are scheduled to be held in the first week of August, however Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua has committed himself to coming for the two-day meet.
While in Fiji , Dr Sikua will take the opportunity to officially open the new chancery of the Solomon Islands, in Suva on Tuesday July 20th.
Ms. Smith-Johns said this demonstrates the support that Fiji has throughout the Pacific, through our strong history of working together in our own Pacific style, like ‘Talanoa sessions’.
She added that this shows real strength of the Pacific Islands, which is our solidarity and unity for the security, peace, and progress of our Pacific Peoples.
As of now Prime Minister of PNG, Grand Chief Michael Somare President Anote Tong of Kiribati and Prime Minister Dr. Sikua of Solomon Islands are attending. We have also received confirmation from 5 other countries and some of the countries are to confirm the level of their participation.