Australia looks forward to joining the Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting in Suva on 8 July, which is being held ahead of the Forum Leaders Retreat on 12-14 July.
The meeting is an opportunity for the Pacific family to discuss the importance of regional unity in the current strategic environment, COVID recovery, as well as our collective international advocacy, including on the critical issue of climate change.
Australia is committed to bringing new energy and resources to strengthening our Pacific Family and this will be reflected in our engagement with the Pacific Islands Forum - the pre-eminent Pacific institution.
Minister Wong will join the discussions virtually, from the G20 meeting in Bali, before returning to Fiji next week on her fourth visit to the Pacific as Minister. Minister Conroy will represent the Foreign Minister in person at Friday’s meeting in Suva.
Quote attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:
“A strong, united Forum is central to protecting our shared interest in a region which is stable, prosperous and respectful of sovereignty.
“We look forward to listening and working with our Pacific family partners on our common challenges and shared goals."
Quote attributable to Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:
“I am delighted to be attending the Pacific Islands Forum on my first visit to the Pacific as Minister. I look forward to hearing directly from the Pacific family about their ambitions and aspirations for our region.”