Melanesian Spearhead Group Foreign Ministers’ Meeting Commences in Solomon Islands

HONIARA: The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Foreign Ministers' Meeting (FMM) commenced today (22/06/15) at the Heritage Hotel in the capital of the Solomon Islands.

The FMM has convened prior to the Leaders' Summit to set the agenda for endorsement and deliberation by MSG Leaders.Under the theme 'Let us build a strong Melanesia in the Pacific where peace, progress and prosperity is ensured and sustained for all', the FMM is attended by Ministers for Foreign Affairs from MSG member countries and or their representatives.

Papua New Guinea is being represented by Mr William Dihm – Acting Secretary for the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Issues discussed include the Report of the MSG Trade Ministers following their meeting in Port Moresby in November, 2014, the Finance Ministers and Governors of Central Banks Report, the criteria determining associate membership, the Report of the Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM), Cyclone Recovery Support to Vanuatu, the MSG Secretariat Report, among others.

In his opening remarks, Secretary Dihm, acknowledged the significance of the MSG and the need to collectively address the political, economic, social environment and climate change issues in the region.

"We need to ensure connectivity in the MSG region through the promotion of business, trade and investment, education, employment and cultural exchanges.

"This could be carried forward and progressed through the recently endorsed MSG 2038 Prosperity For All Plan," Mr Dihm said.

Officials from the Department of Prime Minister, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Environment, Police, Border Development Authority and the National Development Authority are supporting Secretary Dihm at this meeting.

The Foreign Minister's Meeting will end tomorrow (23/06/15) as the MSG Leaders arrive in Honiara for the Leader's Summit.