Suva, June 23 (AseanAll) — In the midst of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Leaders' Summit, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Arrmanatha Christiawan Nasir, on June 23, 2025 met with several leaders and representatives from various countries.
The meeting discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation, as well as Indonesia's partnership with the Pacific region.
In a meeting with Fiji's Prime Minister, Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka, Indonesian Vice Foreign Minister Tata expressed support for Fiji, which has just received the MSG chairmanship baton from Vanuatu. Under Fiji's chairmanship, Indonesia hopes that the MSG will continue to be a constructive and forward-looking platform for peace and shared prosperity.
"As President Prabowo stated during the visit of the Prime Minister of Fiji to Jakarta in April 2025, Fiji has become a good friend and an important partner for Indonesia in the Pacific region. Moving forward, Indonesia is committed to continuing to enhance Indonesia-Fiji bilateral relations," said Tata.
Indonesian Vice Foreign Minister Tata also held a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Solomon Islands, Peter Agovaka. In the meeting, the progress of the Solomon Islands' preparations as the host of the Pacific Island Forum (PIF) summit, which will be held in Honiara next September, was discussed. Joint efforts to enhance trade and cooperation in the maritime sector were also discussed.
The preparation for the PIF Summit was also discussed in a bilateral meeting between Vice Foreign Minister Tata and PIF Secretary-General Baron Divavesi Waqa. Vice Foreign Minister Tata reaffirmed Indonesia's commitment to strengthening cooperation with the Pacific region, particularly initiatives related to the preparedness and resilience of Pacific communities against climate change and natural disasters.
In a meeting with Vanuatu's Foreign Minister, Marc Ati, Indonesian Vice Foreign Minister Tata discussed strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation in various priority sectors.
Finally, Indonesian Vice Foreign Minister Tata met and discussed the regional and global security situation with Australia's Minister for the Pacific Islands and Defence Industry, Pat Conroy. Australia was present as one of the honored guests at this MSG Summit.
The MSG member countries and the countries in the Pacific Islands have a strategic role in the current geopolitical landscape, particularly as a positive force in facing various global challenges. "It is important for the Pacific community to unite and promote concrete cooperation to advance peace and shared prosperity," concluded Indonesian Vice Foreign Minister Tata.
