The Solomon Islands Prime Minister says his non-attendance at the Pacific Islands Leaders Forum next week in Tonga is due to an unavoidable clash.
Instead Manasseh Sogavare has opted to attend Taiwan's Pacific allies meeting in the Marshall Islands, to be followed by a meeting with Taiwan's President in Taipei.
Mr Sogavare will be discussing Taiwan's aid for the new year as well as diplomatic issues.
The Prime Minister's Press Secretary says Mr Sogavare is not boycotting the Forum meeting.
In his absence, Solomon Islands is to be represented by the Foreign Affairs and Trade Relations Minister and Development Planning Minister.
