The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders’ meeting in Palau will proceed as a face-to-face gathering in August despite rising fuel costs and the ongoing Middle East crisis.
This was confirmed by PIF Secretary-General Baron Waqa last Friday following the virtual Special Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting.
“We want to have a face-to-face meeting of leaders. At this time, we can,” Mr Waqa said.
“We’ve got some assurances from partners, friends and members to support logistical arrangements to ensure that the leaders’ meeting goes ahead without any problem.”
Fiji’s Government froze overseas travel for ministers, permanent secretaries and civil servants in April, with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka directing that meetings be conducted virtually where possible amid rising global fuel costs.
However, the PIF Leaders Meeting — where decisions affecting Fiji’s energy security, cost of living and regional trade are discussed — remains a priority, with partners pledging logistical support.
Mr Waqa acknowledged the challenge of reaching Palau, which is situated in the North Pacific and outside the region’s main travel corridors.
“It’s not around this part of the world where we can hitchhike here and there with the Australians and New Zealand aircraft and all that,” he said.
The 55th PIF Leaders Meeting is scheduled from August 30 to September 4 in Koror.
