Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says the people and Government of Kiribati have been and will always remain a part of the Pacific family.
During the traditional welcoming ceremony for the 51st Pacific Forum Leaders meeting on Tuesday, Mr Bainimarama said he respected the current position of Kiribati President Taneti Maamau and his government.
“We will continue to dialogue towards a resolution which formalises the deep mutual respect we hold among us as Pacific Leaders,” he said.
“A resolution amenable to all our Forum Leaders and one that is in the best interest of our Pacific people.”
Mr Bainimarama said a key focus of their forum leaders retreat today would be the issue of regional solidarity and how they could bolster and galvanize their unity as a forum family.
“We simply cannot make the same difference for the health, security, and prosperity of our people, without every Pacific voice helping to chart the course of our region’s direction.
“We share a rich history, we share a vast ocean, and we share a Pacific culture that has withstood the test of time.”
Mr Bainimarama also acknowledged the Micronesian countries of Nauru and Marshall Islands who were not part of the forum.
” My hope is that through our dialogue mechanism, and the resolutions that we are working towards, our forum family can thrive.”
