SUVA, FIJI (24 June 2025): Leaders from the Melanesian Spearhead Group extended deep appreciation to the Government and people of Fiji for successfully hosting the 23rd MSG Leaders’ Summit 2025 and related meetings during its conclusion at the Bose Levu Vakaturaga in Suva yesterday.
They further expressed their gratitude and appreciation for the warm hospitality extended to all the Leaders and delegates.
Among other decisions, the
Leaders have endorsed the Secretariat’s ongoing participation in the ICJ process, particularly in the implementation of the Advisory Opinion acknowledging that the pathway is not immediate, nor is it one-size fits all, and will be implemented in a nationally determined way.
This is in recognition to the fact that all MSGs are still dependent on fossil fuels, are highly vulnerable to the worsening impacts of climate change, are not responsible for the climate crisis, and have limited financial, technical and human capacity.
Leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to the Friends to All, Enemy to None Foreign Policy as it will guide the MSG Members’ relationship with countries and Development Partners.
Leaders have also agreed to maintain the relationship and dialogue with Indonesia at the MSG Leaders Level and reiterated the MSG Leaders decision during the 22nd MSG Leaders Summit in 2023, to request the MSG Chair to write to the PIF Chair to ensure that the visit of the UN Human Rights Commissioner to the Papuan Provinces of Indonesia is undertaken.
In addition, Leaders agreed that they write to the President of Indonesia to seek ways in which cordial dialogue arrangements can be fostered whereby the issues of Papuan Provinces in Indonesia can be discussed and addressed.
Additionally, Leaders reaffirmed MSG solidarity with the People of Kanak – New Caledonia, and support for FLNKS through various multilateral platforms, including the UN-established processes such as the Special Committee on Decolonisation (C-24). They further agreed that the matter of political developments in Kanak will remain as a standing agenda item on the MSG Leaders’ Agenda until an amicable political pathway is attained.
As well, Leaders approved for a High-Level MSG Ministerial Visit to New Caledonia; and agreed for the MSG Leaders to write to His Excellency, Emmanuel Macron, the President of France to foster dialogue arrangements on the decolonisation processes in New Caledonia.
Furthermore, Leaders noted the development of the MSG Business Travel Card as a catalyst for deeper economic integration and development, noting that Papua New Guinea will host the facilitation of the processing and issuance, and will support the MSG Secretariat in legislative reviews and the development of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
On the Draft MSG Security Strategy, the Leaders agreed to defer the Joint Communiqué for Information Sharing and Cooperation between the Pacific Fusion Centre (PFC) and the MSG Secretariat pending the Review of the Regional Architecture, which was presented by the High-Level Persons Group (HLPG).
With regards to the status of the MSG Building following the December 2024 earthquake, Leaders approved the option of its demolition and reconstruction subject to receiving a full Structural Report and Geotechnical Report. Leaders also welcomed the proposed Haos Blo Melanesia (HBM) concept for the MSG Building.
Among other decisions made was the commitment to continue to support the MSG Prime Ministers Cup; continue discussions with Fiji as host of next MACFEST in support of preparations; acknowledgement of the Australia Government, through the DFAT for the initial funding towards the establishment of the PCMU; and welcoming of the proposed Yut4Melanesia Project to be implemented under the auspices of the PCMU.
On the MSG Land allocated by the Government of Fiji for Diplomatic Missions, the Leaders noted the progress of work by Members to undertake developments on the land for their diplomatic missions.
With respect to the Climate Finance Strategy/Sectoral Needs Assessment and the MSG Roadmap for Inshore Fisheries, the Leaders welcomed the review of Climate Finance Strategy and the MSG Roadmap for Inshore Fisheries. Leaders.
The Secretariat has also been tasked to develop a Terms of Reference (TOR) for the review for the consideration of SOM out-of-session.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Chair thanked all the Leaders for their support and contributions during the 23rd Leaders’ Summit.
Leaders also thanked the incoming Chair for his Leadership during the Summit and the outgoing Chair for maintaining solidarity.
When he moved the first vote of no confidence to remove Sir Michael Somare as Prime Minister for the first time it was also a defining moment for both leaders and for PNG. It could make or break our country but true to their stature and character these two pioneers leaders of our country managed the process to ensure PNG interest and well being was paramount. Sir Julius displayed the same qualities in 1997 when he stepped down as Prime Minister following Sandline crisis and Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare did likewise when he resolved the impasse in 2011 by accepting the decision of Parliament to appoint Hon Peter Oneill to be Prime Minister despite the ruling of the Supreme Court.
Thank you very much.