On the sidelines of the 3rd PIPG Conference, held from August 22 to 24, 2023, in Tonga, the President of the French Polynesian Assembly, Mr. Antony GEROS, held bilateral meetings with several key figures, including the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Tonga, His Royal Highness Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala, and Tonga’s Deputy Prime Minister, His Excellency Samiu Kuita Vaipulu.

During these exchanges with prominent representatives of the Tongan monarchy and government, Mr. GEROS extended warm and friendly greetings from the elected officials of French Polynesia, highlighting the long-standing relationship between French Polynesia and Tonga. He also presented the key themes discussed at the PIPG Conference and engaged in discussions on the geopolitical challenges in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly focusing on the Belt and Road Initiative and the Indo-Pacific Strategy, which are of great interest to Pacific Island nations.

With the Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), His Excellency Henry PUNA, Mr. GEROS discussed the upcoming PIF meeting to be held in the Cook Islands in October and reiterated his strong commitment to ocean protection and environmental conservation. They also addressed current concerns of PIF member countries and emphasized the importance of closer collaboration between the PIF and the PIPG to ensure that national and regional actions complement each other.

Additionally, Mr. GEROS held bilateral discussions with parliamentary leaders attending the conference, including the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga, Lord Fakafanua; the Speaker of the Fijian Parliament, Mr. Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu; the Speaker of the Tuvaluan Parliament, Mr. Samuelu Penitala Teo; and the President of the Territorial Assembly of Wallis and Futuna, Mr. Munipoese Miliaka’aka.

These meetings provided an opportunity for Pacific counterparts to discuss their respective political contexts, priorities in terms of parliamentary and political actions, and the strategic geographic positioning of their countries within the broader Asia-Pacific region. They also acknowledged the significance of the PIPG’s gathering in Tonga and highlighted the value of these exchanges, reinforcing their commitment to acting as a unified bloc to combat climate change.