Melanesian Spearhead Group Senior Officials Meeting

The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) was formally opened this morning by the Chair of SOM and Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Raijeli Taga.

In her opening remarks, Dr Taga expressed gratitude to the Senior Officials for their commitment in attending the governing body meeting at the BLV Talanoa Lounge in Suva, despite ongoing global challenges affecting the region. She emphasised the significance of the two-day session, noting that members would deliberate on the Secretariat’s Work Programme and Budget, as well as other key strategic priorities.

In his address to the meeting, Acting Director General Ilan Kiloe thanked Fiji for the hosting arrangements and conveyed his appreciation to the membership for its continued support and understanding, as the Secretariat has undertaken a strategic reorientation over the past year in response to a number of challenges, particularly the loss of the MSG Building in Port Vila, Vanuatu, following the December 2024 earthquake, while also looking ahead to plans set for the year.

The MSG remains a vital platform for advancing regional cooperation, strengthening trade among members, and promoting the rich exchange of Melanesian cultures, traditions and values. It upholds the principle of sovereign equality while driving economic and technical collaboration, harmonising policies that support inclusive growth, sustainable development, sound governance and collective security.

Since joining the MSG in 1996, Fiji has played an active role in advancing these shared goals and reinforcing regional solidarity. The outcomes of the SOM will be submitted to the Foreign Ministers Meeting tomorrow, which will be chaired by Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Sakiasi Ditoka.