MSG Prime Ministers' proposed meeting in Vanuatu postponed for next year

The gathering of Melanesian Spearhead Group Prime Ministers set for next month has been delayed until early next year.

Solomon Islands Deputy Foreign Affairs Secretary, Senda Fifi’i says the meeting was delayed because the host nation, Vanuatu, was slow to confirm the date for the meeting.

Mr Fifi’i says this has resulted in Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare already committing himself to other engagements locally and abroad.

Radio New Zealand International reports that another major reason for the postponement is the non completion of the MSG Secretariat complex funded by mainland China which is to be handed over during the leader’s meeting.

He adds that the postponement of the summit is a blow for all MSG member countries as the momentum to set up a Melanesian Regional Security Force gains pace.

Source: RNZI