SUVA, Fiji — The withdrawal of the remote Pacific island nation of Kiribati from the region’s key diplomatic group has overshadowed the Pacific Islands Forum as leaders arrive in Fiji for the first in-person meeting in two years. Tuvalu Foreign Minister Simon Kofe said he was surprised and saddened by the news of Kiribati’s withdrawal and Pacific leaders would need to “look at the concerns raised by Kiribati” when they meet. Foreign ministers from 16 South Pacific nations had agreed to keep talking to Kiribati, which is seen as being close to Beijing, to “emphasise the strength of the Pacific family”, notes from a meeting held by ministers on Friday show. A key forum leaders retreat will be held on Thursday. China had proposed a video meeting between the Chinese Communist Party’s international office and 10 Pacific islands on the same day.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer July 11, 2022 22:02 UTC