Mark Brown, chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), emphasized the importance of self-reliance among the region’s Foreign Affairs Ministers during their meeting in Suva on Friday. In his opening remarks for the 2024 Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting, Brown highlighted the growing geostrategic interests that the region faces, alongside the worsening climate crisis.
“We continue to confront a climate crisis that intensifies annually,” Brown stated. He noted the emergence of new challenges such as cyber-attacks and transnational crime, underscoring the necessity for the region to strengthen political solidarity. This solidarity ensures that when one member requires assistance, the entire forum can respond effectively.
Brown expressed satisfaction with the ministers’ commitment to enhancing shared priorities, stating that the region can no longer rely solely on the goodwill of others. To achieve their collective vision for 2050, he called for more strategic and assertive engagement to ensure that partners align with their priorities and aspirations.
He urged the ministers to engage in open, constructive, and honest discussions to maximize the potential of their collaboration. As he nears the completion of his term as chair, Brown thanked the ministers for their support and encouragement during Cook Islands’ chairmanship of the PIF, expressing that it has been a privilege for himself and his government to hold this role. He acknowledged the members gathered for their backing over the past 18 months.