THE Pacific Islands Forum Troika Leaders met in Nadi, Fiji this week to discuss the progress on a range of regional priorities amidst a fluid regional and global landscape.
The Forum Troika Leaders in attendance included, the Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum and Prime Minister of Tonga, the Hon. Dr ‘Aisake Valu Eke, the incoming Chair and Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, the Hon. Jeremiah Manele, the Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, the Hon. Mark Brown and the President of the Republic of Palau, H.E Surangel Whipps Jr. President Whipps joined the Troika as the Micronesian representative on the discussions relating to the Review of the Regional Architecture. The meeting marked the first in-person engagement of the Forum Troika Leaders in 2025.
“It was good to meet with the Troika Leaders in-person and to discuss a number of time critical issues that the region is grappling with at this time. The global and regional development landscape is evolving very fast, and the only way we can navigate this successfully is if we stay united as a region,” said the Forum Chair and Prime Minister of Tonga, the Hon. Dr ‘Aisake Valu Eke.
Forum Troika Leaders discussed updates on key regional priorities, including the capitalisation of the Pacific Resilience Facility. Troika Leaders also discussed an update on the Review of the Regional Architecture, in particular the High-Level Political Talanoa process which will focus on political consultations with Forum Leaders on strengthening Pacific regionalism and a fit-for-purpose regional architecture. Forum Troika Leaders agreed on the composition of the High-Level Persons Group that will lead the political consultations, for consideration by the broader Forum membership.
The Forum Chair added, “The Review of the Regional Architecture comes at a timely juncture and gives us the opportunity to reflect on Pacific Regionalism and what we need to do to strengthen and realise deeper regionalism in the Pacific. This too will shape how we refine our regional architecture to drive the achievement of our 2050 vision.”
The meeting also considered the evolving global landscape and the emerging implications of the recent raft of decisions by the U.S. Government on the Blue Pacific region. Recognising the U.S. as a valued Forum Dialogue Partner since 1989 and a member of regional agencies, the Forum Troika emphasised the importance of continued engagement to shape a future that is sustainable, inclusive and anchored in genuine and enduring partnerships.
The Pacific Islands Forum Troika will meet again in June 2025 to consider an update on the progress of key regional initiatives.
PIF press release
