Moetai Brotherson Supports Solomon Islands’ Exclusion of External Partners

French Polynesia’s President Moetai Brotherson has expressed strong support for the decision made by the Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele to exclude approximately two dozen external partners from this year’s Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders’ Meeting in Honiara. This decision has sparked a debate among Pacific leaders regarding the frequency with which dialogue partners should be invited to future summits.

During discussions, Brotherson indicated that there is a proposal to invite dialogue partners only once every two years instead of annually. “Some of us may refrain from saying certain things when the dialogue partners are around,” he stated. He emphasized that the proposed change would allow for a more genuine exchange among Pacific leaders, while still encouraging dialogue partners to share their views.

The exclusion of external partners, which include significant global players like China, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States, was announced during the Forum’s Foreign Ministers’ meeting about a month ago. The decision has drawn criticism from various leaders, raising concerns regarding the suitability of the Solomon Islands as a host for the annual gathering. Despite this, Brotherson remains hopeful that relationships with dialogue partners will not suffer as a result of this decision.

“Some partners may have had significant announcements to share with us, and their disappointment is understandable,” he noted. His remarks reflect a desire for continued collaboration, even amidst the current context of exclusion.

Pacific Leaders Advocate for Self-Determination

The Pacific Conference of Churches General Secretary, Reverend James Bhagwan, lauded the Solomon Islands’ choice, describing it as a demonstration of Pacific self-determination. “The chair of the Forum, Prime Minister Manele, has been quite wise,” Bhagwan commented. He highlighted the importance of creating a space for Pacific nations to engage in open dialogue without external influence, reinforcing the notion that this is fundamentally a Pacific forum.

PIF Secretary-General Baron Waqa agreed, asserting that the meeting would be successful without external partners. “We do need them, and they will be back next year in Palau,” he added, acknowledging the value of their contributions while supporting the current decision.

Manele explained that temporarily deferring partner dialogue aims to provide the Forum with an opportunity to reassess its engagement strategy with external partners. Brotherson conveyed his expectation that dialogue partners would respect this decision, noting he had spoken with Jozef Síkela, the European Union Commissioner for International Partnership, who expressed disappointment but acknowledged the rationale behind the move.

Economic Concerns and Environmental Advocacy

Brotherson, a vocal opponent of deep-sea mining, highlighted the role of dialogue partners in promoting sustainable economic alternatives to Pacific nations considering extractive industries. “Those large countries often lecture us on environmental issues while having mined the planet for centuries,” he remarked. He urged these nations to assist in building regional economies rather than simply admonishing Pacific countries regarding their resource management.

In conclusion, the discussions surrounding the exclusion of external partners from the PIF Leaders’ Meeting reflect deeper considerations of Pacific autonomy, self-determination, and the need for robust economic alternatives. As the region navigates these complex issues, the balance between partnership and independence remains a critical focus for Pacific leaders going forward.