Fiji has reaffirmed the importance of working closely with Pacific neighbours as regional leaders continue discussions on issues affecting communities across the region.

Head of Fiji’s delegation and Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Sakiasi Ditoka highlighted that the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Koror, Palau, brought leaders together to discuss major issues including security, labour mobility, education, trade and the economy.

For Ditoka, one of the key messages from the meeting was the importance of Pacific countries working together and coordinating their efforts, with regional leaders sharing their vision for a stronger and more self-reliant Pacific.

“I certainly believe that if we work together as a region and we get our act together and coordinate our efforts, we can ensure that our economies rise to the challenge that the current environment that we are faced with gives us” Ditoka said.

Fiji also strongly represented issues relating to women’s affairs and women’s rights, labour mobility and preparations towards COP31 during the regional gathering.

Ditoka also highlighted the importance of the Forum as a space where Pacific leaders can discuss the many development challenges facing their people and work together to ensure projects and support reach those who need them most.

“All those issues that matter to our people are discussed here, and how we coordinate our efforts and how donor partners decide to contribute their donations to help in supporting those projects, whatever project proposals that we give to them, that they actually hit the targeted groups that we aim for” he continued.

The meeting has also provided an opportunity for Fiji and other Pacific nations to learn from one another and find better ways to respond to the challenges facing communities across the region.

BY: JOELI RAGONELIWA