A high-level Forum Troika Plus Mission to New Caledonia is set to begin tomorrow, October 27, and will continue until Tuesday, October 29. This mission follows the directive of Forum Leaders during the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum meeting held in Tonga in August.
The mission will be strictly observational, as requested by the New Caledonian government, and will adhere to the Terms of Reference that have been agreed upon by the French State and the Government of New Caledonia, with the endorsement of the Forum Leaders.
Leading the mission is PIFS Chairperson and Tongan Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni, who will be accompanied by Mark Brown, Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. They will also be joined by Peter-Shanel Agovaka, the Solomon Islands Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade.
The Tongan Prime Minister expressed the team’s continued support for the people of New Caledonia, especially following the unrest earlier this year. He emphasized the importance of this mission, which arises from discussions among leaders last month. He noted, “This mission highlights the value of the region in coming together to help each other in times of need.”
The Forum Leaders will receive support from Secretary General Baron Waqa and senior officials, who will assist them in their efforts under the guidance of both the French State and the New Caledonia government. Their itinerary includes a tour of Noumea and meetings with various stakeholders affected by the recent unrest. This will involve discussions with New Caledonian political parties, youth, impacted communities, and representatives from the private, health, and education sectors.
This mission is crucial as it navigates the complex political landscape and aims to address the ongoing social and economic challenges in New Caledonia. By gaining insight into local perspectives, the Forum hopes to facilitate continued dialogue regarding New Caledonia’s future while respecting its current status.
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