Prime Minister Mark Brown joined with fellow Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Troika Leaders on Monday to address pressing regional matters and advance discussions for strengthened regionalism as envisioned in the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.

Building on the meeting of Troika Officials held on 14 March, Troika Leaders reviewed the 2024 Troika Mission report on New Caledonia and reiterated the importance of ensuring that its recommendations are congruent with the priorities of the newly elected Government of New Caledonia and consider the recent tripartite discussions on its political status. Troika Leaders reaffirmed the Forum’s commitment to providing constructive support to the self-determination process in New Caledonia.

Troika Leaders also considered a shortlist of eminent persons with deep expertise in Pacific regionalism to spearhead consultations with leaders, relevant ministers and senior officials in a talanoa setting on regional governance reforms.

Upon further deliberation, Troika Leaders will appoint one representative from each Pacific sub-region to form a gender-balanced High-Level Persons Group that will compile their findings from the consultations into a report for further consideration and endorsement by Forum members.

The High-Level Persons Group initiative will contribute to the ongoing work for the review of the regional architecture, which aims to ensure regional governance mechanisms are fit-for-purpose, effective and responsive to the evolving needs of Pacific Island countries.

In reaffirming the value of the Cook Islands participation in the Troika mechanism, Cook Islands Foreign Secretary Tepaeru Herrmann said, “Effective regional governance requires strong collective political leadership, and the Troika mechanism is central to ensuring the Pacific Islands Forum remains cohesive, forward-looking, and responsive to the region’s evolving needs.”

“As an active member of the Troika, the Cook Islands remains committed to contributing to providing strategic direction that strengthens Pacific unity and reinforces our shared commitment to regional collective actions. Through close collaboration, we are shaping regional approaches and initiatives that reflect regional priorities, uphold Pacific-led solutions, and foster deeper cooperation across the Blue Pacific.”

Troika Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining the momentum on these matters, with a follow-up meeting scheduled next month. This will ensure a coordinated approach to matters that will be tabled for consideration by Pacific Islands Forum Leaders at their annual meeting in Honiara, Solomon Islands, later this year.

• MFAI