Henry Puna, Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum says he is delighted with the announcement from the President of Kiribati Taneti Maamau confirming their return to the Forum.

Maamau made the announcement on January 30, after a successful meeting with Fiji’s Prime Minister and Forum Chair Sitiveni Rabuka.

Puna said: “I am grateful to all who have worked tirelessly to restore the Pacific Islands Forum to its full solidarity.

“This is a profound moment in the history of Pacific regionalism and as we move forward together, I hope that we can look on the last 24 months as a reflection of our collective will to protect and uphold the unity of our Forum Family.”

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Puna acknowledged the statesmanship of Rabuka and the spirit and willingness of President Maamau in bridging the way forward.

“It is a moment of celebration as we continue to weave our Pacific story of resilience and solidarity, underpinned by our own Pacific Way”.