PNG is still grappling with some of the bitter aftermath of the 2017 general election but that does not mean it lowers its leadership status at the all-too-important Pacific Islands Forum Meeting in Samoa.
It must stand up to the occasion as always and take the lead in many of the issues that it is given credence for including climate change, fisheries, fair trade and business relations within the Pacific region.
As emphasised by Foreign and Trade Minister Rimbink Pato, participation at the meeting will benefit PNG in many ways.
PNG at this meeting must play the pivotal role in discussing with regional leaders important measures in boosting especially economic returns for member countries. One such agenda where PNG has demonstrated total independence in its decision-making at the regional level was its refusal to sign the PLACER Plus agreement where the country also ably proved it would not be beneficial for its people.
Vanuatu and Fiji followed suit, and this is an important and significant show of good leadership at the regional level.
PNG made a significant contribution sending 400 troops between 2003-13 and more than 100 police personnel to Solomon Islands under RAMSI.
On climate change PNG made its mark at the Bali conference a couple of years ago when it orchestrated the move towards affirmation of REDD+, which other powerful world leaders took note of.
Such leadership should be maintained at these important regional meetings.
PNG’s agendas in the regional discussions according to Mr Pato includes collaboration between island nations to improve air travel, better labour mobility and visa arrangements, banking and financial institutions.
PNG flagship BSP must continue to consolidate its business presence in all its operating countries and financial institutions, which effectively is provision of leadership in the banking sector in the region.
The forum may also be the most opportune time for Minister Pato and his Fijian counterpart to resolve the trade war between the two countries.
The emphasis should be on fair trade and more realistic interactions between businesses from the two countries.
Other important discussions must be held with Australia and New Zealand in relation to fisheries especially as it involves a huge aspect of security for the entire region not only in protecting the resource but in the wake of the coming APEC 2018 meeting and continuing threats of terrorism.
Guam is a case in point because of the direct threats from rogue nation North Korea, and Australia has already clearly spelt out its position on it.
PNG must rally all Pacific nations to take a stand to ensure the security of the region in all aspects to compliment this year’s forum theme.
“The Blue Pacific: Our Sea of Islands – Our Security through Sustainable Development, Management and Conservation.”