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Prime Minster Jim Marurai of the Cook Islands has ended his three-day familiarization tour of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency [FFA] Secretariat, saying the outcome of his three-day visit has been very worthwhile.
The Prime Minister and his delegation left Honiara early this morning on their way home.
Prime Minister Marurai has become the first Forum Leader to visit the premier regional fisheries organization under an initiative designed to provide greater awareness at the highest political level about the work of the organization.
At a function which he hosted in Honiara last night, Prime Minister Marurai said he was also pleased with the outcome of his talks with his Solomon Islands counterpart, Prime Minister Derek Sikua and Foreign Minister, William Haomae on a number of important regional issues, including the FFA, the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands [RAMSI] and the University of the South Pacific [USP].
“During our meeting, including that which I had with your Honorable Foreign Minister, it became very apparent that your Government is truly committed to fulfilling its obligations and responsibilities as hosts for our premier regional fisheries organization, the Forum Fisheries Agency,” he told guests who included Prime Minister Sikua.
“Hon Prime Minister, many thanks for your positive approach to alleviating the urgent challenges that FFA currently faces and again may I take this opportunity to wish you, your Honorable Ministers and the people of the Solomon Islands all the very best”.
In response, Prime Minister Derek Sikua described the visit by the Cook Islands to the FFA headquarters as “historic”.
“It is also very timely given the increasing importance let alone the international politics surrounding fisheries issues in particular the concerns surrounding our region’s tuna stocks.
“Your visit has undoubtedly contributed to the required political will and attention that we as leaders need to take in addressing our region’s fisheries, especially following the Vavau Declaration on Fisheries adopted at the last Forum Leaders Meeting in Tonga,” Dr. Sikua said.
He said it was his hope that other Forum Leaders would take up the initiative to visit the FFA.
Prime Minister Sikua also assured the Cook Islands Prime Minister that “Solomon Islands will do its best to fulfill its host country obligations and [to] ensure that the FFA operates in a conducive environment”.
Dr. Sikua assured the visiting Prime Minister that the Solomon Islands government is firmly committed to addressing outstanding issues the host country needs to deal with quickly.
He also thanked the Cook Islands Government for supporting regional initiatives such as the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands [RAMSI].
“My Government will work closely with the region through the Forum processes to ensure that RAMSI remains a genuine partnership that is in tune with the needs and priorities of the Government and people of Solomon Islands,” Dr. Sikua said.
Prime Minister Marurai also paid tribute to the FFA Director General, Mr. Dan Su’a for the initiative to invite him.
“I must admit that I feel very honored to be the first Leader of an FFA member country to take up this new and worthwhile initiative.
“There is no question in my mind that this visit, albeit very brief, has been extremely beneficial for me. Beneficial in terms of opening my eyes up to the one natural renewable resource that we all share and the important work that the FFA undertakes on behalf of its 17 members to ensure that this resource remains healthy for future generations to come,” Prime Minister Marurai said.
He also thanked the technical staff of the FFA for providing member countries with what he described as “the best technical policy advice”.
“The information and knowledge you possess is invaluable to our collective efforts to ensure the long term sustainability of our precious tuna resources,” the Prime Minister said after two days of presentations by the staff,” he said.
Prime Minister Marurai also acknowledged the work of RAMSI, saying the Cook Islands recognized the important contribution it has made in restoring peace, security and stability in Solomon Islands.
“As Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, I wish to take this opportunity to re-affirm my country’s continued firm commitment towards this regional initiative,” Prime Minister Marurai said.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Marurai traveled with RAMSI officials to Tulagi on Gela where a Cook Islands Sergeant serving with RAMSI was based.
Source: Alfred Sasako, FFA |
