Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has arrived in Tonga to participate in the 53rd Pacific Island Forum Leaders Meeting, which is set to take place from August 26 to 30. The theme for this year’s forum is “Transformative Resilient Pasifiki: Build Better Now.” The event is hosted by the Government of Tonga, with Prime Minister Hu’akavemeiliku Siaosi Sovaleni serving as the chair.
Later today, Prime Minister Rabuka will also engage with the Fijian community in Tonga. Recently, he was part of a delegation of three Pacific leaders who led a Forum Troika mission to New Caledonia, following unrest that began on May 13, 2024. This mission was expected to provide a report to the Forum Leaders during the meeting.
However, a statement released this week indicated that the New Caledonia Government has raised concerns regarding due process and protocol, which must be resolved before the Troika visit can occur. The situation in New Caledonia is on the agenda for discussion among the Leaders, aiming to outline additional measures for supporting the region.