The ceremonial signing took place at the Havannah Resort in north Efate yesterday, marking the culmination of the 22nd Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Leaders’ Summit Retreat.
The distinguished signatories of these declarations include Prime Minister (PM) Ishmael Kalsakau of Vanuatu, PM Manasseh Sogavare of Solomon Islands, PM James Marape of Papua New Guinea, PM Sitiveni Rabuka of Fiji, and Victor Tutugoro, spokesperson of the Kanak Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS).
The history of these agreements commenced with the inaugural accord inked in Lakatoro, Malekula, in 1994. Subsequent gatherings saw the signing of a second pact in Port Vila in 1998, followed by the third document signed during a Leaders’ Summit held in the Solomon Islands.
PM Kalsakau expressed satisfaction with the Summit’s proceedings, highlighting the successful collaboration that yielded two comprehensive documents. He noted that these papers are both content-rich and orderly in outlining MSG’s strategic course on matters of importance to the region’s populace.
He acknowledged the impactful presence of strong and visionary leadership, which serves to refine the direction and purpose of Melanesia, ensuring it remains steadfastly on the right course.He further expressed his contentment with the summit’s conclusion, characterising it as a joyous occasion.
“To ensure the safeguarding of Melanesia’s wellbeing and to achieve the highest levels of contentment among its people on the horizon, we have united as a collective whole,” PM Kalsakau remarked. He extended gratitude to his esteemed colleagues for their invaluable contributions to shaping the final outcomes.
Concluding his address, he invoked blessings upon the people of Melanesia and expressed his profound gratitude for the presence of all attendees. This unity and collaboration, he affirmed, is the cornerstone of progress for the entire region.
To further solidify this agreement, the leaders partook in a tradition deeply rooted in Vanuatu culture – sharing a shell of kava to conclude the regional diplomatic dialogue.
No comments:
Post a Comment