MSG chair given to Fiji

VANUATU formally handed over the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) chairmanship role to Fiji in Honiara yesterday.

In a special summit held behind closed doors at Mendana Hotel, the five leaders from Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Fiji and New Caledonia signed a communiqué in support of the handing over of the chairmanship.

Fiji Foreign Affairs Minister Ratu Inoke Kubuabola speaking during the signing said Fiji has formally accepted Vanuatu’s apology.

He said the reconciliation ceremony witnessed yesterday morning was a historic event that would be written in their history books as the Melanesian culture was performed between two different countries.

“Two countries were brought together by a third country purposely to resolve our differences traditionally. To us it is a beacon of hope for the future, not only when dealing with MSG issues but for similar challenging issues in the wider pacific region,” Mr Kubuabola said.

Speaking on behalf of Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama, Mr Kubuabola said the ceremony was even more unique because it also involves traditional chiefs in the five MSG nations as well.

Vanuatu Prime Minister Sato Kilman when handing over the chairmanship said the ceremony was a reminder to all the MSG nations that they shared a common background that even the western world would not understand.

“This had been our tradition practiced by our forefathers and it demonstrates the Melanesian solidarity. Therefore, it is a great honour for me to formally hand over the chairmanship to Fiji,” Prime Minister Kilman said.

Meanwhile, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Danny Philip said the reconciliation ceremony which also marked the handing over of the MSG chairmanship to Fiji was a testimony of value, strength and relevance of the Melanesian cultures and traditions.

He said the government and people of Solomon Islands were honoured to host the ceremony.

Prime Minister Danny Philip said he was confident that Fiji would take the lead in addressing the needs and interests of the Melanesian nations.

“My Government looks forward in supporting Fiji and we also pay tribute to the Vanuatu government for looking after all MSG affairs over the past couple of years,” Prime Minister Danny Philip said.

As a token of appreciation the PM hosted a farewell party for all the MSG countries last night at the Honiara Hotel.

The meeting ended yesterday.

Source:Solomon star