THE Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) welcomed Timor Leste as part of the growing country members of the forum. This followed the signing of the instrument of accession by HE Hernani Coelho da Silva, Foreign Affairs Minister of Timor Leste on July 14, signalling their formal admission to the PIDF Charter
According to a media release from the Pacific Island Development Forum Secretariat, Timor Leste now becomes the 13th member of the PIDF (11th member state).
The signing ceremony was held at the PIDF Leaders’ Summit in Honiara, Solomon Islands and witnessed by Pacific Islands Development Forum Secretary General, Mr Francois Martel and all PIDF members.
“With Timor Leste joining as our newest member, the vigour of our collective Pacific voice has gained momentum so we can continue to raise the profile of the Pacific realm globally and to ensure that “no one is left behind”, said Secretary General Martel.
The other PIDF members are: Fiji, Kiribati, Republic of Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Vanuatu, Tuvalu, Tokelau, Pacific Island Association of Non-Governmental Organisation (PIANGO) and the Pacific Island Private Sector Organisation (PIPSO).