The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, yesterday reiterated Fiji’s unwavering support for the Melanesian Spearhead Group.

“We look forward to working closely with all our members in line with the principles of the 2038 Prosperity for All Plan to enhance the work of the Organisation for the benefit of our peoples,” he said during his opening address in Honiara, Solomon Islands yesterday.

He expressed his sincere gratitude as well to the Government and the people of the Solomon Islands for being wonderful hosts and for all the courtesies accorded to the Fiji delegation since their arrival.

“We are also appreciative of the excellent theme that you have chosen for our meeting, which resonates very well with the principles and spirit of the 2038 Prosperity for All Plan.”

He commended the Director-General and the members of the Secretariat for all the support provided towards the excellent organization of this meeting.

“At the outset, I wish to acknowledge the successful conduct of the national elections in Solomon Islands, New Caledonia and Fiji last year. In doing so, I congratulate you on your new appointment as Foreign Minister of Solomon Islands and also the appointment of our colleague from Vanuatu – Mr. Serge Vohor,” he said.

He said the MSG scope of work and mandate had somewhat increased greatly.

“Judging from the agenda that we have for our meeting in the next two days, it is evident that as an organization, our scope of work and mandate has somewhat increased greatly.”

This he said exemplified their commitment and aspiration as a Group to explore and secure greater opportunities for their economies and peoples.

He urged all members to pay their outstanding assessed contributions so that they could advance and implement some of the current pending initiatives.

“As member countries make their best efforts to pay their contributions in these difficult times, I also take this opportunity to stress to the Secretariat of the need for financial judiciousness.”

He said it was important for them to be vigilant and exercise due diligence in the various initiatives they intended to undertake because they were limited by the extent of what their economies could provide towards the operation of the organisation. “We must always protect the integrity of the Group and focus on the core objectives of the Organisation. And we must live within our own means.”

Ratu Inoke said he was aware that the agenda tabled at this meeting comprised a broad range of critical substantive issues.

He offered Fiji’s condolences to the Government and the people of Vanuatu. Fiji he said was honoured to be able to assist in the rehabilitation efforts for their brothers and sisters in the aftermath of Cyclone Pam.

Learning from this experience, he expressed Fiji’s full support towards the finalization of the Humanitarian and Emergency Response Coordination Center (HERCC) to improve their collaboration for any future emergency and rehabilitation needs.

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