The Cook Islands reaffirmed its commitment to Pacific-led leadership last week, joining fellow Troika Officials of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), as well as Officials from Fiji and Palau, to discuss regional priorities as part of considerations leading up to the annual Forum Leaders Meeting to convene in the Solomon Islands in September.

The Cook Islands assumed Chair responsibilities of the PIF in February 2023 before handing over Chair responsibilities to Tonga in August 2024 during Tonga’s hosting of the 53rd annual Forum Leaders Meeting.

During its tenure as Chair, Cook Islands elevated the profile of the Troika Leaders meeting in support of strengthening Pacific-led leadership, unity, and solidarity of the Forum.

Reflecting on the Cook Islands most recent tenure as Forum Chair, Cook Islands Foreign Secretary Tepaeru Herrmann said that as a founding member of the Forum, it was important to the Cook Islands that the Troika mechanism was elevated to ensure Pacific-led leadership of regional priorities and action, including directing the work of the Forum Secretariat. A well-functioning Troika mechanism can support governance stability and continuity and strengthen Pacific advocacy on the global stage while smoothing transition between the Forum Chair during rotations.

 The current Troika includes the Cook Islands as the outgoing chair, Tonga as the current chair, and the Solomon Islands as the incoming chair and depending on issues for Troika consideration, other PIF members participate.

A key agenda item discussed by Troika officials last week was the review of the 2024 Troika Mission report on New Caledonia, which was led by Prime Minister Mark Brown, then Tonga Prime Minister Siaosi ‘Ofakivahafolau  Sovaleni, Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, and Solomon Islands Minister Peter Shannel Agovaka. Officials also considered an update on the Review of the Regional Architecture (RRA), with high-level consultations planned to ensure regional governance mechanisms remain effective and fit for purpose.

In line with these discussions, Senior Troika Officials also considered possible eminent persons who could guide the regional governance mechanisms consultations.

An update on preparations for PIFLM54 was also considered, ensuring that key regional priorities are reflected in discussions and that the Secretariat and membership remain accountable for delivering on Leaders’ mandates.

Troika Leaders, including Prime Minister Brown will meet virtually this week to consider the recommendations from last week’s Troika Officials meeting which will give further direction to the work of the Secretariat and Senior Officials leading up to the annual leaders meeting in September. MFAI