Press Release (29/10)
9th April 2010

The Forum Ministerial Standing Committee (FMSC) on the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) will hold its fourth meeting today in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

The FMSC, which was established by Forum Leaders to provide regional oversight of the operations of RAMSI, will be briefed on the discussions of the officials’ level Enhanced Consultation Mechanism (ECM) meeting held on 7 April.

The Solomon Islands Government and RAMSI provided updates to the ECM on progress of implementation of the Partnership Framework between the Solomon Islands Government and RAMSI. The progress reports while noting the considerable achievements made already also acknowledged that there still remained a few challenges of implementation, however these could be overcome, particularly through joint efforts by the Solomon Islands Government and RAMSI.

Ministers will consider the report of the Chair of the ECM and consult on supporting the ongoing implementation of the Partnership Framework which has strengthened consultative processes between the Solomon Islands Government and RAMSI. Consultations under the FMSC provides an important conduit for ensuring key perspectives of Forum member countries are registered and help ensures the continued success of RAMSI’s activities as a major regional initiative in support of the Government and people of Solomon Islands.

The meeting will be opened by the Honourable Prime Minister of Solomon Islands Dr Derek Sikua. In attendance will be the Hon. William Haomae, Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Solomon Islands; the Hon. Bob McMullan MP, Secretary for International Development Assistance of Australia; the Hon. Mrs Maihetoe Hekau, Acting Minister for Police of Niue; and H.E. Mr Peter Eafeare, Special Representative for Papua New Guinea.

ENDS.

For media enquiries, contact Mr Johnson Honimae, the Forum Secretariat’s Media Officer, on phone 679 331 2600 or email: johnsonh@forumsec.org.fj