“SHAPING A STRONGER, RESILIENT MELANESIA FOR A UNITED PACIFIC FUTURE”
• Chair of the MSG- Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka, MP, Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji;
• Hon. Jotham Napat, MP, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu;
• Hon. Jeremiah Manele, MP, Prime Minister of Solomon Islands;
• Hon. Roch Wamytan, Spokesperson for the FLNKS;
• Hon. Armanatha Christiawan Nasir, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Associate Member, the Republic of Indonesia;
• Hon. Pat Conroy, Minister for International Development and the Pacific of Australia- Special Guest of the MSG;
• Acting Director General of the MSG Secretariat; Mr. Ilan Kiloe;
• Senior Officials;
• Ladies and Gentlemen;
It is a great honour to be here in Suva, at this pivotal 23rd MSG Leaders’ Summit as a Melanesian family. On behalf of the Government and people of Papua New Guinea, I thank the Government of Fiji for the warmth of your welcome and the generous hosting of this gathering.
I also acknowledge the leadership of Prime Minister Napat and the Republic of Vanuatu for your guidance as Chair during the past term. You have upheld the Melanesian spirit in a time of global uncertainty.
Papua New Guinea at 50: A Time for National and Regional Renewal
This year, Papua New Guinea commemorates 50 years of political independence. It is a deeply significant milestone — one that invites national reflection and regional recommitment. For five decades, we have walked the path of nation-building. But we have never walked it alone.
We are Melanesians first — by language, culture, ancestry, and geography. The struggles of our forebears, the resilience of our communities, and the aspirations of our youth are mirrored in each other. Our progress as individual nations is inextricably linked to our collective strength as Melanesians.
Melanesia in a Changing World: Strategic Cooperation, Shared Security
The world is shifting fast. Our region is facing compound challenges — climate change, fragile economies, growing strategic competition, border insecurity, and development inequalities. This is not a time for fragmented leadership or siloed thinking. This is a time for bold, cooperative action.
Through our MSG and as part of the Pacific Islands Forum, we must act with a united voice and focused leadership. In this regard, I had the opportunity to participate in the
High-Level Political Talanoa Consultations with the Pacific Islands Forum’s Eminent Persons Group yesterday evening, where I shared some of my views on how to restructure and streamline Pacific regional architecture.
We must look honestly at what is working and what must change — from the PIF, to the MSG, to other regional agencies. We must embrace reform, while staying true to our Melanesian and Pacific values.
On the MSG Foreign Ministerial Visit to the Melanesian Provinces of Indonesia (West Papua)
Distinguished colleagues, allow me to speak with clarity on a matter of principle — the proposed MSG Foreign Ministers’ visit to the Melanesian provinces of Indonesia, namely West Papua. Papua New Guinea respectfully does not support this proposition.
Since 2019, when the issue of human rights in West Papua was first raised formally at the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Tuvalu, the Forum has elevated engagement with Indonesia to the Leaders’ level.
In fact, in November 2023, I met with the then President of Indonesia together with Prime Minister Rabuka of Fiji in San Francisco, under the Forum’s mandate as Special Envoys. That dialogue continues.
To now conduct a Foreign Ministers’ visit would downgrade the level of engagement and risk undermining the carefully constructed and respectful pathway we have developed with Indonesia.
Papua New Guinea recommends that the MSG fully support the current PIF-endorsed dialogue process, which maintains engagement with Indonesia at the leaders’ level — consistent with our principles of constructive engagement, respect for sovereignty, and regional solidarity.
Solidarity with the People of Kanaky–New Caledonia
On the situation in New Caledonia, I reaffirm Papua New Guinea’s unwavering solidarity with the FLNKS and the Kanak people. The right to self-determination is enshrined in international law and must be respected. We support the continued role of the United Nations and other multilateral processes to ensure peaceful dialogue and lasting political solutions.
On the Appointment of the MSG Director General
Colleagues, the position of Director General of the MSG Secretariat is a political appointment, and thus, must remain within the prerogative of MSG Leaders. Papua New Guinea does not support the recent recommendation to engage an independent recruitment consultant for this role. The MSG Agreement (Revised 2015) provides a clear process for appointment. To outsource this decision would be to deviate from our own constitution.
Furthermore, the idea of extending the current DG’s term, as previously done, should not be repeated if not grounded in legal authority. PNG advocates strict adherence to the MSG Agreement, which must be the guiding instrument — not previous precedents or ad hoc arrangements.
We must also address a recurring concern: the delayed implementation of leaders’ decisions. Some directives date back a decade with no tangible progress. We understand the Secretariat’s resource constraints, and PNG proposes secondment of policy officers from member states as a practical solution to strengthen implementation capacity.
Review of MSG Membership Guidelines and Applications
We call for a clear set of criteria for Associate Members and Observers of the MSG. The current framework is too vague and leaves open the risk of politically sensitive confusion.
The Secretariat should present updated membership guidelines at the next Senior
Officials Meeting to guide future applications and uphold our collective integrity.
MSG Free Trade Agreement (MSGFTA)
PNG has not yet signed the MSGFTA due to technical alignment issues with WTO schedules of commitment. However, I want to reiterate Papua New Guinea’s full commitment to resolving these technicalities and working toward signing the Agreement in due course.
We see the MSGFTA as critical to building our economic resilience and unlocking intra-Melanesian trade potential, particularly in agriculture, fisheries, labour mobility, and value-added products.
Opening of PNG-Indonesia Northern Border
I am pleased to announce that PNG will open its northern land border crossing at Wutung, enabling direct entry into Indonesia via land into Jayapura. This complements existing air links and reflects PNG’s commitment to enhancing regional connectivity, mobility, and trade in our shared border zone.
MSG Prime Ministers’ Cup
Sports is a unifying force in our region. Papua New Guinea is proud to be the host of the next MSG Prime Ministers’ Cup — a celebration not only of football, but of our shared identity as Melanesians. We invite all our brothers and sisters to participate, cheer, and celebrate unity through sport.
Climate Leadership and a Just Transition
Let me finally speak on what remains the defining crisis of our time — climate change.
Papua New Guinea fully supports the ICJ advisory opinion initiative led by Vanuatu, seeking legal clarity on the obligations of states to act on climate. We are committed to building a climate-resilient Melanesia that values our natural ecosystems and protects the rights of customary landowners.
We believe in carbon markets with integrity, in benefit-sharing models that empower our people, and in Pacific solutions to Pacific problems.
Conclusion: The MSG We Must Now Build Colleagues, if Melanesia is to thrive, we must evolve. Let us be guided by:
• Our shared values
• Our duty to our people
• And our vision for a more just, peaceful, and united Pacific
Let us turn our discussions into decisions, and our decisions into action. Let us renew our commitment to an MSG that is bold in its vision, firm in its principles, and tireless in its delivery.
As Papua New Guinea enters its next 50 years, we do so as part of a Melanesian family that is stronger together — and unshakable in its purpose.
May God bless our MSG, our Pacific, and our shared Melanesian future.
Vinaka Vakalevu