The Prime Minister of Tuvalu the Hon. Enele Sopoaga visited the Pacific Islands Development Forum Secretariat at 56 Domain Road, Suva, FIJI at 10.30am this morning Friday 17th October 2014.
The Hon. Sopoaga was in Fiji to take part at the inaugural International Conference on Oceans and Rivers at the Fiji National University Nadi Campus this week.
The Hon. Sopoaga is the first Pacific Island Leader to visit the Secretariat since it's opening this year by the Prime Minister of Fiji the Hon. Rear Admiral Josaia Bainimarama.
In his remarks at the Secretariat Prime Minister Sopoaga expressed appreciation for the work of the Secretariat since its establishment:
“I am especially honored to be the first leader from the Pacific to visit the Secretariat especially as a son of Tuvalu is currently serving in a leadership role at the PIDF as its Secretary General.
Mr Feleti Teo the first Secretary General of the PIDF is a highly experienced regional public servant and Tuvalu is pleased that he can assist the PIDF during this very important stage in its development.”
The Prime Minister also spoke about the recently concluded United Nations Climate Summit in New York City where he was one of the two Co-Chair of the eminent meeting.
During the visit the Secretariat briefed the PM on the work of the PIDF:
“The Pacific is at a historical juncture where it is establishing for the first time a truly representative and participatory platform that will empower the People of the Pacific as primary stakeholders in their development to initiate the process and make joint decisions
about its outcome and to handle challenges and influence the direction of their own lives through the green economy. Through the PIDF the people of the Pacific are giving value to voices never heard at this level of decision making in the Pacific before, the Secretariat said in its presentation.
Prime Minister Sopoaga was also able to tour the Secretariat and to thank the Staff for their valuable work for the Pacific.
-ENDS-