Pacific Ministers endorse regional response mechanism amid Middle East energy crisis concerns
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Rick Houenipwela, chaired a Special Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting held virtually from Honiara on Friday, 22 May.
The meeting was convened under the Biketawa Declaration in response to the evolving energy crisis arising from the Middle East conflict, to consider a coordinated regional approach to emerging risks and challenges.
A key outcome was Ministers’ endorsement of a Regional Response Mechanism on the energy crisis, including its Terms of Reference and Guiding Principles. The mechanism is designed to support coordinated regional efforts in responding to emerging shocks.
At its core, the mechanism will strengthen regional coordination, enhance information-sharing and situational awareness, and provide a practical platform for Members to collectively assess risks and consider appropriate responses.
Minister Houenipwela said the meeting brought together the Pacific family at an important time for the region.
“Ministers shared a common view that, in a period of growing global uncertainty, the Pacific must remain connected, coordinated, and guided by calm and practical leadership,” he said.
He also encouraged development partners to work with Forum Members through the new mechanism and the CROP Taskforce established to support its implementation.
“This mechanism is not intended to replace existing national response arrangements, but rather to strengthen coordination between national and regional efforts as circumstances evolve,” he added.
Ministers also considered a political statement on the Global Appeal for Peace, through which Pacific Leaders will issue a call for peace in the Middle East, aligned with the region’s commitment to the Ocean of Peace Declaration.
Minister Houenipwela acknowledged the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, Baron Divavesi Waqa for joining him in Honiara and thanked the Forum Secretariat for its support in convening the special session and facilitating deliberations.
The meeting was convened as Forum Leaders triggered the Biketawa Declaration in response to the evolving implications of the Middle East crisis, enabling the region to coordinate a collective response to multi-sectoral challenges.
Although the Pacific is geographically distant from the conflict, Ministers noted that the region remains closely connected to global fuel markets, shipping routes, aviation systems, and international supply chains, leaving it vulnerable to external shocks.
PRESS RELEASE
