JOINT PRESS RELEASE (51/10)

21 May 2010

The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) and the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) have renewed a Memorandum of Understanding first signed in 2007 formalising the working relationship that exists between the two organizations.

The new MoU was signed in Suva, Fiji on 20th May by the Acting Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Mr Peter Forau and the President of PINA, Mr Moses Stevens.

“The Forum Secretariat is very happy to continue with the working relationship that has been established with PINA, the premier regional media association, over the years for the benefit of the two organisations’ membership in the Pacific region,” said Tuiloma Neroni Slade, PIFS Secretary General.

“We are committed to cooperating with PINA to co-ordinate current activities and consider new initiatives that will build the capacity of the Association’s membership to ensure that they keep the region informed of decisions made by Forum Leaders and PIFS’s implementation of the decisions.”

Mr Slade urges PINA “to continue to practice responsible, impartial journalism and maintain ethical journalistic standards in its own reporting, and will promote and encourage such practices and standards in the work of all its members.”

“PINA welcomes the continued recognition of the Association by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, as the only Pacific wide news association that represents media outlets in the Forum member countries,” said Mr Moses Stevens, PINA President. 

Mr Stevens added: “The signing of the MoU is a clear reflection of PIFS continued recognition of PINA as an important player in the promotion of good governance among its member countries through training of its membership and the protection of the freedom of the media.

“PINA is focusing on developing partnerships with regional governments most of which are members of PIFS, through the national media associations. PINA believes that mutual understanding between regional governments and the media in regards to their respective roles in promoting development is significantly important.”

Mr Stevens concluded: “The PIFS-PINA MoU contemplates an extensive range of co-operative activities. PINA is confident that with our concerted efforts, the MoU will deliver the benefits it promises.” 

(ends)
 

Caption: PINA President, Moses Stevens (left) and PIFS Acting Secretary General Peter Forau exchange copies of the MoU after the signing yesterday in Suva (Photo by PINA)
Download larger image