PNG DEPUTY PM DEPARTS FOR SPECIAL PIF LEADERS RETREAT IN RAROTONGA, COOK ISLANDS

Deputy Prime Minister, Grand Chief Hon. Leo Dion, GCL, CMG, QPM, MP today  led a delegation to attend the Special Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Retreat in Rarotonga, Cook Islands from 4-5 May 2014 on behalf of the Prime Minister, Hon. Peter O’Neill, CMG, MP, who is unable to attend due to important commitments.

The Deputy Prime Minister is accompanied by Frank Aisi, Director for International Relations, Department of Prime Minister & NEC and other senior officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The main purpose of the meeting is for the Leaders to Endorse the Final Outcomes of the Pacific Plan Review that was finalized by an Eminent Persons Group (EPG), headed by a former PNG Prime Minister, Sir Mekere Morauta.

The Pacific Plan is a strategic document which aims to strengthen and deepen regional cooperation and integration of the Pacific region.

The Morauta Review calls for more effectiveness and efficiency of the Pacific Plan to meet the development expectations of the people of the Pacific. Mr Dion will join other PIF members to deliberate and endorse the outcomes of the Morauta Review on the Pacific Plan.

The review took note of the significance of social, economic and environmental challenges and change and geopolitical interests by various global persons.

Therefore, presenting a new level and quality of political debate, policy and cooperation at the regional level. In addition, the report recommends number of reforms aimed at effectively deliberating the Pacific Plan.