NZ Foreign Minister Winston Peters calls PM Wale’s early departure from the Pacific Forum a setback amid Solomon Islands’ crisis.
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters says Prime Minister Matthew Wale’s decision to return to Solomon Islands has been a “setback” for the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau.
Speaking to reporters in Koror, Peters questioned why the motion was brought while the Pacific’s leaders were preparing to meet for the Forum.
“To think that a motion of no confidence was moved when you’re at a critical Pacific event concerns me about the people who moved the motion,” he said.
“For Goodness’ sake, could you possibly have waited until your brothers, sisters and cousins have sorted out the Pacific in the meantime, just for these few days?”
Wale reportedly learned about the motion after arriving in Palau and returned to Solomon Islands within hours to deal with the political situation.
Peters said Wale’s departure was disappointing for other leaders at the Forum.
“He had to get the next plane, and President [Surangel] Whipps Jr had to take him. That shows how saddened Whipps was by that, we all were, that Wale had to go home. But at least they’re trying.”
Meanwhile, Peters said Wale’s absence could affect discussions on regional security.
In July, while serving as PIF chair, Wale said there was “growing consensus” among Pacific countries for a regional security treaty.
Peters said the proposal was likely to be discussed during the Leaders Meeting, but described Wale’s absence as a “setback.”
Tess Newton Cain, an Adjunct Associate Professor at the Griffith Asia Institute, said Wale’s situation also showed the different challenges Pacific leaders have to manage.
“I think what we’re seeing is a really good example of the number of different challenges that leaders are trying to manage.
They’re trying to keep national interests front and centre, they’re trying to be active parts of the regional collective, there are geopolitical tensions, so you know every day is a constant management of these different priorities. It’s not really surprising that he’s felt the need to go home given the motion of no confidence.
I think it is a bit disappointing for the forum.” she said.
Solomon Islands Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister Rick Houenipwela said the political situation in Honiara would not affect the Forum meeting in Palau.
Speaking to journalists, Houenipwela was asked whether Wale’s absence would affect the meeting and regional discussions.
Houenipwela said the Forum would continue despite the political developments at home.
“The meeting is now going ahead, the situation in Honiara will not affect this meeting and I’m leading the delegation.”
Prime Mathew Cooper Wale left Palau after a motion of no confidence was filed against his government by Home Affairs Minister Manasseh Maelanga.
The political situation has also seen three Cabinet ministers resign from the GREAT Coalition Government, including Maelanga.
