Leaders from the Pacific will meet in Fiji this week, with climate change on top of the agenda
Kiribati has announced a shock exit from the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).
The small-island nation of around 119,000 has accused neighbouring countries of failing to meet its concerns.
Kiribati’s President Taneti Maamau says his country is withdrawing from the forum because it disagrees with the PIF Secretary-General, Henry Puna staying in the role.
“Kiribati is gravely concerned by the decision to forego the opportunity to genuinely discuss the appointment and tenure of the incumbent Secretary-General with Kiribati’s involvement.”
Kiribati President Taneti Maamau
In the letter, President Maamau says the terms of a deal to solve tensions between Micronesian states and other members has also been largely ignored.
Some nations flagged their desire to leave the forum when their preferred candidate lost a vote last year.
New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, says she “would love for there to be the total membership” at this week’s forum.
Pacific Island leaders are set to arrive in Fiji for the first in-person meeting in two years.
“This geopolitical competition will continue and it is important the Pacific focuses on the issues that are critical to the Pacific—climate change and the conservation of our resources.”
Tuvalu’s Foreign Minister Simon Kofe
The leaders will discuss international support and funding to fight the impacts of rising sea levels and climate change.
China’s foreign minister, Wang Yi also recently completed a sweeping tour of the region, where he signed a suite of bilateral agreements.
Australia and the U.S. are also seeking to strengthen their ties over the island nations, with Australia’s new government pledging additional climate support.
