Visit to Auckland for the Pacific Islands Forum Ministerial Contact Group meeting on Fiji
Media release
30 May 2010
I will visit Auckland, New Zealand on Monday 31 May to join my colleagues in the Pacific Islands Forum Ministerial Contact Group for a meeting on Fiji.
The Ministerial Contact Group plays a key role in encouraging the Fiji interim government to return Fiji to democracy and the rule of law.
Australia and the international community remain resolute in calling for the return to democracy and the rule of law in Fiji. We are disappointed that, more than three years since the coup in December 2006, there is no sign of any progress towards the restoration of democracy and the rule of law.
The Pacific Islands Forum established the Ministerial Contact Group in 2008 in order to monitor developments in Fiji and report to Forum Leaders.
The Group, chaired by Tonga and made up of representatives of Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Tuvalu, will discuss developments in Fiji and review how the region can support credible efforts for democratic reform.
The Group will meet Fiji interim Foreign Minister Ratu Inoke Kubuabola.
While in Auckland, I will also conduct bilateral meetings with Tongan Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fred Sevele and New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully.
Media inquiries
- Minister's Office: (02) 6277 7500
- Departmental Media Liaison: (02) 6261 1555