5 Aug 2010

NZ to host Pacific Islands Forum in 2011

10:03 pm on 5 August 2010

New Zealand is to host the Pacific Islands Forum in 2011.

Prime Minister John Key made the offer to host the annual summit during the leaders' retreat at this year's forum in Vanuatu.

The 42nd meeting of Pacific leaders will be held in Auckland in September next year.

The summit is planned for the week leading up to the Rugby World Cup match between New Zealand and Tonga.

Radio New Zealand International reports says there have been no dramatic new policy developments.

On Fiji, the leaders noted there has been no improvement regarding Fiji's plans to return to democracy and the country's suspension from the forum still stands.