The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Troika leaders have written to United States (US) President Donald Trump, expressing their concerns over the impacts of U.S. tariffs and climate change on the region.

The Troika comprises:

1. Hon. Dr ‘Aisake Valu Eke, Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum and Prime Minister of Tonga;
2. Hon. Jeremiah Manele, incoming Forum Chair and Prime Minister of Solomon Islands; and
3. Hon. Mark Brown, Prime Minister of the Cook Islands.

    H.E. Surangel Whipps Jr., President of the Republic of Palau, who joined as the Micronesian representative in discussions related to the Review of the Regional Architecture.

The letter follows significant challenges faced by Pacific nations—such as Vanuatu (23%), Nauru (30%), and Fiji (32%)—which have been severely affected by reciprocal tariffs imposed by the U.S. under President Trump’s trade policy.

In addition, the freezing of U.S. aid has stalled critical climate change projects across the Pacific, threatening the well-being of vulnerable communities.

Speaking to media upon arrival at Honiara International Airport yesterday after the Troika’s meeting in Nadi, Fiji, Prime Minister Manele highlighted the Forum’s deep concerns about recent shifts in U.S. foreign policy.

“The Troika dedicated time to discussing the changing international landscape shaped by the United States’ new foreign policy direction,” he said.

These changes include the U.S. withdrawal from key international institutions such as:

1. The Paris Agreement
2. The UN Human Rights Council
3. The World Health Organization (WHO)
4. The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
5. The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)

“We reflected on a brief report produced by the Secretariat at Troika’s request, outlining the implications of these developments for our region,” PM Manele said.

The Troika also discussed the U.S.’s financial commitments to associated UN frameworks and Pacific regional organizations, including:

1. The Pacific Community (SPC)
2. The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP)
3. The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA)
4. The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF)
5. The Pacific Islands Development Program (PIDP)
6. The Pacific Aviation Safety Office (PASO)

PM Manele noted the evolving nature of U.S. tariff policies and their impact on Pacific trading arrangements.

He emphasized that the Troika has agreed to formally engage with the U.S. regarding the aid freeze and its effect on Pacific priorities and commitments to regional institutions.

This was the Troika’s first in-person meeting, following an initial virtual meeting held on 25 March 2025.

During the session, the Troika also agreed to initiate political discussions on the Review of the Regional Architecture—an effort to streamline and strengthen regional cooperation.

“The review will address the proliferation of regional entities and duplication of frameworks,” PM Manele said. “Pacific leaders are working towards a more integrated and cohesive region, aiming for a ‘future-ready and fit-for-purpose’ regional architecture.”

The review will focus on rationalizing regional organizations to promote efficiency and effectiveness.

This includes reducing the number of agencies and moving toward a lean intergovernmental structure.

Political consultation will be led by a High-Level Persons Group (HLPG), consisting of one representative from each of the three subregions:

1. Melanesia: Dr. Sir Jimmie Rogers (Solomon Islands)
2. Polynesia: Peseta Noumea Simi (Samoa)
3. Micronesia: H.E. Gerald Zackios (Marshall Islands)

By EDDIE OSIFELO