The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Chair and Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. ‘Aisake Valu Eke, met with PIF Secretary General Baron Waqa here in Nuku’alofa yesterday to discuss key priorities ahead of the 54th PIF Leaders Meeting in September in Solomon Islands.
Secretary General Waqa, joined by a Forum Secretariat delegation, briefed the Prime Minister on pressing regional issues, including the Review of the Regional Architecture, the Pacific Resilience Facility, and the Pacific Roadmap for Economic Development. Preparations for the High-Level Talanoa on Deep Sea Minerals, set for February in Suva, Fiji, were also outlined.
“I am committed to continuing Tonga’s leadership role in the region and I look forward to working with colleague Leaders to advance the regional priorities of the Pacific Islands Forum,” said PM Eke.
As PIF Chair, Tonga will host several high-profile ministerial meetings in 2025, including the Special Forum Economic Ministers Meeting.
Secretary General Waqa praised Tonga’s leadership, noting, “He [Dr. Eke] brings with him deep insights and views on regional priorities, especially as they relate to political and economic development.”
Tonga also leads the Pacific Resilience Facility, an important initiative supporting climate adaptation and disaster preparedness across the Pacific.