UPDATE - PIF approves Solomon Islands’ move to block countries including US, China from attending leaders’ summit

ADDS REMARKS FROM SOLOMON ISLANDS; CHANGES HEADLINE, LEDE

By Anadolu staff

ISTANBUL/ANKARA (AA) - A proposal by Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele not to invite the leaders of several countries including the US and China to a leaders' summit next month in the capital Honiara was approved at a meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), state broadcaster RNZ reported Thursday.

“With the recent decision by the government of the Solomon Islands to defer the partner dialogues scheduled for the 54th Pacific Islands Forum to 2026, the ministers welcomed the update provided by the government of the Solomon Islands," said Tonga's Crown Prince and Foreign Minister Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala.

The top diplomats of PIF member states met in Fiji's capital Suva on Thursday to discuss enhanced cooperation and inclusive participation.

The 2025 Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting is being attended by 18 member states, according to a statement from the PIF Secretariat on US social media company X’s platform. The meeting is chaired by 'Ulukalala.

“Our work is guided by the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, our long-term blueprint for regional unity and prosperity. The success of this strategy hinges on enhanced cooperation, strong leadership and inclusive participation," PIF Secretary General Baron Waqa said at the opening session.

Addressing the forum, New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters emphasized his country's commitment to "Pacific regionalism," according to an official statement from the New Zealand government.

“In these uncertain geo-strategic and challenging economic times, it is more important than ever that the region stands together and sets our own agenda – rather than being pressured or even dictated to by external influences,” Peters said.

He offered to host the 2027 Pacific Islands Forum leaders' meeting.

The PIF currently has 21 dialogue partners.

Leaders from 18 members of the Pacific Islands Forum are scheduled to meet in the Solomon Islands' capital in September.