A high-level Forum Troika Plus Mission to New Caledonia is set to commence from October 27 to October 29, following the directives established at the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Tonga this past August.
The mission, which is purely observational and adheres to the request from the Government of New Caledonia, will operate under Terms of Reference agreed upon by the French State and local authorities, and endorsed by Forum Leaders.
Leading the mission will be Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni, the Tongan Prime Minister and Chairperson of the Pacific Islands Forum, along with fellow leaders Mark Brown, the Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, and Sitiveni Rabuka, the Prime Minister of Fiji. Additionally, they will be joined by Peter-Shanel Agovaka, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade of the Solomon Islands.
“The people of New Caledonia have remained in our thoughts since the unrest earlier this year, and we are committed to offering our support,” the Tongan Prime Minister stated. He expressed his satisfaction at the mission being carried out after a discussion among leaders last month, emphasizing the importance of regional solidarity in addressing each other’s needs.
The Forum Leaders will receive support from Secretary General Baron Waqa and senior officials as they interact under the supervision of the French State and the government of New Caledonia. The mission will include a tour of Noumea, engaging with various stakeholders who were affected by the recent unrest, including political parties, youth, and impacted communities, as well as discussions with representatives from the private sector, health, and education.
This mission is crucial as it aims to navigate the complex political landscape and address the ongoing social and economic issues within New Caledonia. By gaining insights into local perspectives, the Forum aims to facilitate constructive dialogue regarding New Caledonia’s future while respecting its current status.
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