PRESS RELEASE (64/10)
1st August 2010

Arrangements for the 41st Pacific Islands Forum to be held in Port Vila, Republic of Vanuatu, 3 – 6 August 2010 are now well underway with Forum Leaders expected to start arriving in the next couple of days.

“The government of the Republic of Vanuatu must be commended for all the work it has put into the arrangements as it prepares to host the Forum Leaders straight on the heels of the celebrations to mark the country’s 30th independence anniversary,” says Tuiloma Neroni Slade, Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Secretariat, who is already in Port Vila ahead of the Forum Leaders.
 

Mr Slade adds: “Hosting a Forum Leaders’ meeting is no easy feat but what the Government of Vanuatu has put together including the various programmes and other logistical arrangements shows its commitment to the principles that the Forum represents.”
 

“With all Forum members confirmed to be represented at the meeting, I believe it is going to be another successful gathering of Leaders of the region’s premier regional organization.”

The meetings will start with a meeting of Leaders of the Smaller Islands States in the Forum and a meeting of Pacific ACP Leaders on Tuesday 3rd August.
The 41st Pacific Islands Forum will be officially opened on Wednesday 4th August to be followed by a Leaders plenary session. The Forum Leaders convene for their annual Retreat at the Havannah Resort outside of the capital Port Vila on Thursday 5th August and meet with the region’s development partners in the Post-Forum Dialogue the following day Friday 6th August.
 

Besides the several hundred delegates representing Forum member countries, the 41st Pacific Islands Forum will be attended by representatives of Associate members, and Observers, regional and international organizations as well as about 60 media representatives.

ENDS.

For media enquires, contact Mr Johnson Honimae, the Forum Secretariat’s Media Officer on phone 678 5664721 or email: johnsonh@forumsec.org.fj