Solomon Islands Prime Minister, calls for a stronger Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) saying; ‘We want an MSG that is effective and not a pushover’.
Prime Minister Matthew Wale has called for a stronger and more effective Melanesian Spearhead Group following bilateral talks with Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape in Port Moresby on Friday.
Speaking at a joint press conference after the leaders’ meeting, Mr Wale said the Melanesian Spearhead Group remained an important institution for advancing the interests of Melanesian countries but should become more effective in addressing regional priorities.
“The Melanesian Spearhead Group also remains an important institution because it focuses specifically on the interests of our Melanesian sub-region,” Mr Wale said.
He said he and Prime Minister Marape discussed ways to strengthen the organisation and improve its effectiveness.
“We had useful discussions about how the MSG can become more effective.”
Mr Wale said there was broad recognition among Melanesian leaders that the regional organisation had the potential to play a stronger role.
“I believe there is a general feeling that the organisation has the potential to be stronger, with more robust processes and greater effectiveness. That is something we must continue working on together.”
He added: “We want an MSG that is effective and not a pushover.”
The Prime Minister’s comments come as the Melanesian Spearhead Group continues to play a central role in regional discussions on political cooperation, trade, security and issues affecting Melanesian peoples, including developments in West Papua.
Mr Wale also raised the West Papua issue during the press conference, saying Pacific leaders should continue engaging Indonesia through open and constructive dialogue while expressing concerns about the human rights situation in the Indonesian-administered region.
Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed Papua New Guinea’s commitment to working closely with Solomon Islands on regional priorities, describing the two countries as longstanding partners that share common challenges in security, economic development, border management and regional cooperation.
The Melanesian Spearhead Group comprises Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and the Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front of New Caledonia. Established in 1986, the organisation promotes political cooperation, trade, economic integration and shared Melanesian interests across the region.
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