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Fiji hands over PIDF chairmanship to Solomon Islands

Xinhua, July 13, 2016 Adjust font size:

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has become the first non-Fijian to chair the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) after Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama handed over the chairmanship to him Wednesday, the Fijian government announced.

During his opening remarks at a PIDF Leadership Summit held in Solomon Islands, Bainimarama heralded the change in leadership as evidence of the maturation of the PIDF in serving as a force of good in the Pacific region, according to Fiji's Department of Information.

"The PIDF is maturing rapidly, with a membership that reflects the breadth and richness of Pacific island cultures, economies and experiences. From the first day, we have been organized for action. We have focused very specifically and practically on finding solutions for green growth and sustainable development. And we have had the wisdom to know that government cannot achieve that alone," Bainimarama said.

The Fijian prime minister went on to describe the PIDF as a leading institution in representing the interests of developing Pacific nations on the global stage.

"And we are also a political voice. In our short life so far, PIDF has established itself as a worthy and respected international institution that honestly represents the interests of its members to the world. This is our organization, our forum, and our collective and undiluted voice," said Bainimarama.

Sogavare commended Bainimarama for his leadership as chairperson of the PIDF, and highlighted the milestone achievement of the Suva Declaration that provided the basis for negotiation by Pacific states, resulting in the Paris Agreement, said the Department of Information.

The PIDF's secretariat is based in Suva. The forum's inaugural summit was held in Fiji in 2013. Endit