15 April 2025, Nadi – Last week, Prime Minister Hon. Mark Brown met with the Prime Minister of Tonga and Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, Hon. ‘Aisake Eke, on the margins of the Troika Leaders Meeting held in Nadi. The bilateral meeting provided an opportunity for a candid discussion on the Troika meeting agenda, as well as key areas for enhanced bilateral cooperation.
Prime Minister Eke acknowledged Prime Minister Brown’s strong leadership as the previous Chair of the Forum and his continued support as a member of the Troika. Prime Minister Brown reciprocated these sentiments, acknowledging the proactive efforts the Chair has made on a number of key regional issues since assuming the role earlier this year.
“Speaking on his experience as previous Chair of the Forum, Prime Minister Brown was able to share some of the Cook Islands’ experiences in navigating the region through complex challenges, many of which Tonga is now at the helm for,” stated Director of the Pacific and Regional Affairs Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI), Teuru Passfield, who was in attendance to support discussions. “As the region moves forward, it’s essential that we work with our Pacific family in solidarity, leveraging our collective strengths to overcome common challenges and identify opportunities to build a more resilient and prosperous Pacific.”
The two Leaders also discussed the Cook Islands’ upcoming 60th constitution celebrations to be held in August, with Prime Minister Eke welcoming an invitation to attend the milestone anniversary. Discussions touched on political stability, transport connectivity constraints, inflation costs, and workforce retention and recruitment challenges across the region. Both Leaders committed to continued dialogue in the coming months leading up to the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting to convene in the Solomon Islands later this year.
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