1 Jun 2015

Fiji taking host role seriously says Forum chief

7:51 am on 1 June 2015

The head of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Dame Meg Taylor says Fiji is taking its role as secretariat host seriously.

Samoa's Prime Minister has said the Forum must look at moving its headquarters away from Suva as his Fijian counterpart is refusing to retake his seat at the table because of differences over Forum membership.

Dame Meg says the fact Fiji's elections supervisor led a Forum team to monitor Bougainville's election is an example of recent good engagement between the two sides.

"The Foreign Minister's always kept the door open to me. I think the work of the Forum has been enhanced of late by the engagement of the government of Fiji, of ministers.

Dame Meg says there's as yet been no formal correspondence via the Secretariat from Mr Bainimarama on his decision not to attend this year's Forum.

The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Secretary-General, Dame Meg Taylor.

Dame Meg Taylor Photo: RNZI