Rick Houenipwela urges Pacific unity and stronger regional leadership in managing global partnerships and priorities
Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Rick Houenipwela, has called on Pacific Foreign Ministers to strengthen regional ownership in managing external partnerships while addressing priorities affecting Pacific communities.
Speaking as Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Foreign Ministers Meeting, Houenipwela said regional leaders have a responsibility to guide the region’s engagement with international partners and protect the integrity of Pacific institutions.
“As Foreign Ministers, we have a unique responsibility. We sit at the intersection of our domestic priorities and our collective regional interests. We help shape how the Pacific engages the world, manages its partnerships, and protects the integrity of our regional institutions,” Houenipwela said.
The meeting is taking place as Pacific countries continue to navigate a changing international environment, with discussions focused on issues including regional peace and security, economic integration, preparations for COP31, and implementation of the region’s 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Baron Divavesi Waqa highlighted the importance of strengthening regional institutions and ensuring decisions made by the Forum translate into practical outcomes.
Waqa reaffirmed that the Forum Secretariat remains committed to supporting a regional organisation that is “increasingly strategic, responsive and focused on implementation.”
He said the Secretariat aims to support a Forum that can anticipate emerging challenges, coordinate regional action and deliver effectively on priorities agreed by Pacific leaders.
Houenipwela also echoed remarks from Pacific Islands Forum Chair and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale, who said Pacific countries are meeting at a time of growing geopolitical tensions, increasing strategic competition and rapid global change.
He said these developments reinforce the importance of regional ownership and a united approach among Pacific countries.
“That message should continue to guide our work today.
“There has never been greater international interest in our region.
“There has never been greater demand for Pacific engagement.
“And there has never been a more important time for the Pacific Islands Forum to remain united around our own priorities,” he said.
The Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting is being held at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in Suva, Fiji, this week.
