BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has said the issue of unexploded ordnance (UXO) will be incorporated into the region’s regional security work programme.

He said this at this year’s 54th PIF Forum Troika Press Conference held on Friday, September 12, at the Media Room, Sport City Stadium.

Amongst the achievements made during the 54th PIF was the signing of the Pacific Resilience Facility and the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration.

“In our efforts to return the implementation of peace in our region, we endorsed the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration. As highlighted by Prime Minister Rambutan, I quote, The Ocean of Peace Declaration is a signal that we seek a region in which strategic competition is managed, where stability is the backbone of regional relationships, and where cohesion is assured,” PM Manele said.

He said that the declaration promotes peace-building as an integral element of Pacific regionalism and recognises that sustainable development is essential for addressing the root causes of conflict, fostering lasting harmony, and empowering communities with pride.

“Importantly, and something dear to me, is the discussion on the ongoing legacy issues relating to unexploded ordnance in the region, including some islands. This is something that we are committed to incorporating into our regional security work programme,” he said.

He also said that leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen strategic partnerships and have endorsed the Leaders’ Policy on Partnerships in the Pacific Islands Forum.

“We thank partners for their understanding and for allowing us as a region to have the space and time to walk through the reviews that we have before us and to ascertain the way forward from here.

“We remain committed to strengthening and elevating our partnerships to support our shared priorities and values, and we hope that this new Leaders’ Policy will provide a firm basis for this moving forward,” said Manele.

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