Ms Maria Ralha, Acting Head of Delegation of the European Commission for the Pacific, Excellencies, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Distinguished Guests, Members of the Press, Ladies and Gentlemen. I would like to extend to you all a warm welcome to the Forum Secretariat. Thank you for taking the time to attend this event.

2. The purpose of our gathering this morning is to officially start two important regional projects funded by the European Union through the 9th European Development Fund Pacific Regional Indicative Programme.