By Hannah Dadzie
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, is on an official visit to the Pacific Islands where she is participating in the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (53PIFLM) in Nuku’alofa, Tonga which is being held from 26th to 30th August, 2024.
The 53PIFLM is being held under the theme “Transformative Resilient Pasifiki, build better now”.
The conference is aimed at building a resilient Pacific with leaders committed to putting together a roadmap that will ensure the achievement of tangible results following the outcome of the discussions by the leaders.
As part of the visit, Madam Ayorkor Botchwey, continued to garner support for her campaign to become the next Commonwealth Secretary-General, from leaders and representatives of the Pacific Commonwealth Member Countries.
The Minister also held bilateral meetings in the margins of the Meeting with Prime Ministers from Tonga, Hon. Hu’akavemeiliku Siasosi Sovaleni; Fiji, Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka;Vanuatu, Hon. Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas;Tuvalu, Hon. Felemi Teo;Samoa, Hon. Fiamé Naomi Mata’afa;Papua New Guinea, Hon. James Marape;Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of New Zealand, Hon. Winston Peters; and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Nauru, Hon. Lionel Rouwen.
During the meetings, the Minister discussed issues of interest to the Commonwealth and shared her vision for the organisation.
The Minister’s priority areas for the Commonwealth are centred on Democracy and building the democratic dividend, climate change, SIDS, trade and investment, youth, innovation and start-ups, among others.
Unity, inclusivity and resilience building are at the forefront of Hon. Botchwey’s vision which resonates with the ideals of the Pacific.
