A high level delegation from the Solomon Islands, led by their Prime Minister, Honourable Manasseh Sogavare, met with the Pacific Islands Development Forum Secretariat Secretary General, Mr François Martel yesterday, 9th March, 2016.
One of many positive outcomes of the meeting was the announcements of the hosting of the PIDF leadership meetings in Solomon Islands in July this year.
The meeting also allowed PIDF Secretary General to provide an overview to the visiting delegation of the PIDFs major accomplishments and mammoth tasks that lies ahead in terms of sustainable development and the implementation of climate change enabling activities and advocacy efforts within the Pacific region.
“The Solomon Islands has been an inaugural member of the PIDF and we do work very closely on matters of the Pacific. We have asked the Republic of Fiji to assist with the request for Permanent Observer status with the UN and will need the assistance of all its members in the UN in the successful conclusion of our application including the Solomon Islands,” remarked Mr Martel.
The visiting delegation consisted of Hon. Samuel Manetoali, Minister for Environment, Conservation and Disaster Management, Mr. Joseph Ma’ahanua, PS for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr Rence Sore, Secretary to the MSG Chair, Mr. Kereta Sanga, Chief Protocol Officer, His Excellency Patteson Oti, Solomon High Commissioner to Fiji and also chair of the PIDF Senior Officials Committee.
The Solomon Islands government signed the PIDF Charter on 4th September 2015 and has been involved in the inception of the PIDF from 2012 participating in all PIDF Summits and also regional workshops on the PIDF Charter.