MSG interests important says Fiji’s foreign minister

THERE is a need for the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) to continue to look after the interests of each member, says Fiji’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and chairman of the MSG Foreign Ministers Meeting (FMM), Ratu Inoke Kubuabola.

The call was made at the opening of the meeting in Port Vila, Vanuatu this week as the criteria, rights, and responsibilities of observers and associate members of the MSG are expected to be finalised today in Port Vila.
Ratu Inoke said decisions made should be based on the needs of the MSG, which consists of Fiji, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and the FLNKS of New Caledonia.

“We must plan, therefore, as a family, looking after each other’s interest in the collective grouping, and making decisions based on the needs of this family first,” Ratu Inoke said.

“This meeting will allow foreign ministers to discuss the work programme and budget and also approve a number of administrative, financial and governance documents that govern a number of important aspects of the MSG Secretariat’s work.”

Among other issues, Mr Inoke said, specific sections of the financial regulations, staff regulations and other documents based on recommendations from the senior official meeting would be discussed.

A new formula for member contributions, which is the basis for financing of the operations of the secretariat, is expected to be drafted today, at the end of the two-day meeting.

Mr Inoke also made special mention to donor countries like the government of China, and the government of Luxembourg for their generous funding for the Political Affairs Division projects.

He also acknowledged the recent financial contribution by the government and people of Timor-Leste towards projects under the Economic and Social Development Division of the MSG Secretariat.