The Pacific Islands Forum Troika’s mission to New Caledonia has been postponed.
In a statement released today, the Forum Secretariat indicated that they have been collaborating with the French State and the Government of New Caledonia to ensure that the mission’s objectives and arrangements align with the expectations of all stakeholders involved.
The mission was originally set to report to Forum Leaders during the 53rd PIF Leaders Meeting in Tonga, scheduled for this week. However, the Government of New Caledonia raised several concerns regarding due process and protocol that need to be addressed prior to the Troika’s visit.
To allow more time to resolve these issues among Forum Members, the Troika has chosen to delay the mission until after the Leaders’ meeting in Tonga. The situation in New Caledonia will be a topic of discussion at the Leaders’ meeting, aiming to provide further direction on how to support the region.
The Forum remains fully dedicated to assisting New Caledonia during this period, particularly through the Troika-led mission at a later date agreed upon by all parties involved.
The mission was initiated at the request of New Caledonia’s President Louis Mapou to Forum Leaders and received approval from the French State.