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| PNG PM. Peter O'neill |
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has pledged Papua New Guinea’s support of USD 1 million to the Marshall Islands for drought relief assistance.
He made the commitment after the successful 44th Pacific Islands Forum held at Majuro, Marshall Islands last week.
Prime Minister O’Neill, in making the commitment stated that PNG, over the last decade has continued to experience unprecedented economic growth due to investments in major resource projects in the oil and gas sectors and favourable commodity prices.
“It is my government’s desire to share our development experience with our Pacific neighbours, inclduing the Marshall Islands, despite the many development challenges we are confronted with through offering employment for skilled personnel and investment opportunities and economic development assistance,” Mr O’Neill said.
In a letter to Marshall Islands President Mr Christopher Jorebon Loeak, Prime Minister O’Neill thanked the President for the hospitality and the choice of the theme “Marshalling the Pacific Response to Climate Change”.
“It indeed served as a timely reminder for all Pacific Island Forum member countries of the imminent threat of climate change and the need to better utilise their existing resources and that of donor partners to compliment adaptation and mitigation initiatives within our region.”
Mr O’Neill said in his letter that there needed to be a collective, practical and meaningful effort regionally and at the international level to ensure climate change is effectively addressed now and in the immediate future.
“In fact the Majuro Declaration for Climate Change Leadership provides the framework through which we can collectively work towards addressing this issue.
“With regard to the Eminent Person’s Review of the Pacific Islands Forum, by Sir Mekere Morauta, I commend the team for an excellent effort,
“I understand their consultations were extensive and far-reaching in that they were able to gauge the views of all member governments and stakeholders in the Pacific Plan, the role of the Secretariat and the future architecture of the region.”
We need to make the necessary adjustment and have the political will if the Pacific Plan is to achieve its overall objectives; while at the same time ensure we have an effective organisation that is delivering its mandate to the Pacific people and communities.
In relation to other PIF issues at the Plenary and Retreat such as security, climate change, environment and sustainable development, fisheries, regional trade and economic cooperation, air transport and shipping services and private-government cooperation, Mr O’Neill re-affirmed PNG’s commitment to work }
closely with other Forum countries.
“It is now the responsibility of our Ministers and officials to ensure that appropriate follow-ups are undertaken to implement these important regional initiatives and commitments.
Post Courier/Pacific Flash