Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Meets with the Prime Minister

Apia, SAMOA – 20 January 2025 – The Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General, Baron Divavesi Waqa, commenced the year with an official visit to Samoa, reaffirming the Forum Secretariat’s commitment to close political engagement with its Members.

During the visit, the Secretary General paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister of Samoa, Hon. Laʻaulialemalietoa Schmidt, and conveyed his congratulations on the Prime Minister’s appointment as Samoa’s eighth Prime Minister.

Their discussions focused on the evolving regional context and the importance of ensuring that the Forum’s collective agenda remains firmly grounded in Members’ national priorities.

As the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent enters its implementation phase, the Secretary General and the Prime Minister highlighted the need for sustained political leadership, strong national–regional alignment, and coordinated action to translate regional commitments into tangible outcomes for Pacific peoples.

The exchange reaffirmed that effective Pacific regionalism is member-driven and anchored in unity, shared responsibility, and practical cooperation.

As part of his official programme, the Secretary General also had engagements with Government Ministers and senior officials to advance shared priorities in support of a resilient, peaceful, and prosperous Blue Pacific.