The Chairman of the Pacific Islands Forum and the President of the Republic of Palau Tommy Remengesau has issued a statement confirming that Fiji’s suspension from the Pacific Islands Forum has been lifted.
In the statement, Remengesau said that he had requested the Forum Secretariat to deliver his letter addressed to Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama stating that the Forum Leaders have decided to fully lift the suspension of Fiji from the Forum.
He stated that the Forum leaders were unanimous in their decision to lift Fiji’s suspension based on a recommendation by the Forum’s Ministerial Contact Group who had closely assessed the reports by the Multinational Observers.
He said that the Forum leaders had fully welcomed and accepted the recommendation by the Ministerial Contact Group and is looking forward to Fiji’s participation and contribution in all Forum activities, including the meetings of the Forum leaders.
He has also offered his warm congratulations to the newly elected Government and commended the people of Fiji for their full participation in their historic election.
He also highlighted how grateful he was that the results of Fiji’s elections reflected the will and mandate of the Fijian people.
Speaking on behalf of the Forum Secretariat, the Acting Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Andie Fong Toy said that they welcome the decision of the Forum Leaders to lift Fiji’s suspension from the Forum.
She also said that they look forward to Fiji resuming its participation and position in the Pacific Islands Forum.
