MSG Foreign Ministers meeting reaffirms regional solidarity

The 23rd Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Leaders Pre-Summit Foreign Ministers Meeting (FMM) was concluded yesterday afternoon (20/6/25) at the Bose Levu Vakaturanga (BLV) Talanoa Lounge in Suva.

The meeting reaffirmed commitment to regional cooperation, to institutional strengthening, and to delivering tangible outcomes for the MSG communities. The discussions were guided by the theme of “A Peaceful & Prosperous Melanesia” reflecting on the shared aspirations and the enduring values that bind our Melanesian family together.

The deliberations looked at key priorities on economic resilience, climate change, regional security, and cultural preservation. It also highlighted the need for fit-to-purpose strategies to address challenges on evolving the geopolitics, economic, and environmental landscape.

Representing Fiji at FMM, Special Envoy to the Pacific Ratu Inoke Kubuabola reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to regional solidarity. He said Fiji continues to advocate for the Pacific as an ‘Ocean of Peace’ – an initiative that seeks to anchor our identity in peace, stability, and shared stewardship. He said the anticipated adoption of this declaration by Pacific Leaders in Honiara in September will serve as a guiding framework for a Melanesian – led peace and security narrative within the MSG Security Strategy.

Ratu Inoke also acknowledged the Government of the Republic of Vanuatu for their dedicated leadership of the MSG during their term as the Chair – further stating that as Fiji prepares to assume the Chairmanship, we look forward to building the progress made and to working collaboratively with all Member States to advance a strengthened, more resilient and strategically aligned MSG.

The Chair of the MSG FMM and Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and External Trade of Vanuatu, Hon. Marc Arti, MP said that existential threat of Climate Change and Sea Level Rise is, among our greatest security threats and a group we must refocus our efforts on building resilience, reducing vulnerabilities of our local communities, while simultaneously positioning ourselves within the regional and international architecture to ensure we remain relevant within this space.

Similarly, the Acting Director General of the MSG Secretariat, Mr Ilan Kiloe said the MSG is more than a regional body – it is a family grounded in the rich cultural heritage of Melanesia, driven by the aspirations of our people, and guided by the principles of peace, inclusivity, and sustainable development.

The MSG delegation thanked Fiji for hosting the 23rd MSG Summit and affirming support as Fiji prepares to assume the Chairmanship, with traditional handing over program scheduled for Monday 23rd June at the BLV Grounds in Suva.

The outcomes of the Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) and Foreign Ministers Meeting (FMM) will be presented to the Leaders at the Summit on Monday next week for their endorsement – paving the way forward for a peaceful and prosperous Melanesia.