PNG Encourages Regional Approach following withdrawal of the United States from the Multilateral Fisheries Treaty

PNG encourages Regional Approach following withdrawal of the
United States from Multlateral Fishing Treaty. ABC Photo

A Special Pacific Islands Parties (PIPs) meeting is currently being convened in Nadi, Fiji from 08-10 February 2016. The PIPs are meeting following the recent withdrawal by the United States from the Multilateral Fisheries Treaty.

In presenting the opening remarks on behalf of the PNG Delegation, Frank Mohi Aisi, Director International Relations Unit of the Department of Prime Minister & NEC informed of the need for a collective regional approach by all PIPs to find an amicable way forward following the US withdrawal from this Treaty. This is consistence with the Framework for Pacific Regionalism.

“Before I continue, let me draw the meetings attention back to previous Pacific Islands Form (PIF) Leaders’ Meetings that have maintained the importance of the region's fishery, which was subsequently emphasized during a recent Special Forum Fisheries Committee Ministerial Meeting held in Denarau last year,” said Mr Aisi.

“As current Chair of the Forum, PNG considers these decisions as paramount to the continued active engagement with the United States. The importance of our discussions and decision cannot be understated. PNG has been at the forefront of the US Treaty negotiations and continues to attach special significance to the Treaty and its strategic value and the continued active engagement with the US.”

As Depository of the Treaty, Mr Aisi formally informed all Parties of the receipt of the Notice of Withdrawal by the United States of America Government from the Treaty on Fisheries between Government of Certain Pacific States and the Government of USA, which is effective from 27th January 2016.

The meeting he further mentioned provided the ideal opportunity within which PIPs could discuss the withdrawal and its overall implications on the PIPs and reach an amicable way forward given the importance of the fishery and the marine resources.

Additionally the meeting would provide the avenue to gauge the views of all PIPs before presentation of a formal and constructive regional position to the US Government through the current Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum and Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Hon Peter O’Neill.

The PNG delegation is being led by Ludwig Kumoru, Deputy Managing Director National Fisheries Authority (NFA), including senior officers from the Department of Prime Minister & NEC, NFA, Foreign Affairs and Attorney General.

The meeting concludes on 10th February 2016.