Melanesian Spearhead Group

Vanuatu Trade Minister welcomes SPIRIT Project

The meeting provided a platform to promote the European Union (EU) funded Strengthening Pacific Intra-Regional and International Trade (SPIRIT) project and discuss possible areas of assistance to assist Vanuatu’s trade needs, particularly in implementing Vanuatu’s E-Commerce Strategy and Roadmap. Other activities include conducting Awareness Training Sessions on the PACP-EU Interim Economic Partnership Agreement.

MSG Secretariat receives voluntary contribution from West Papua independence group

ULMWP attained its Observer Status to the MSG since 2015 and as Observers, may propose to make voluntary contributions.

The voluntary contribution was handed over by Freddie Waromi, ULMWP Office representative in Port Vila, Vanuatu, on behalf of the independence movement.

Waromi stated that the ULMWP, in making the voluntary contribution to support the work of the Secretariat, recognised the vision of the MSG leaders and the true spirit of Melanesian brotherhood and respect. ULMWP has voluntarily contributed to the MSG Secretariat in the past.

MSG Secretariat observes Vanuatu Provincial Elections

This was following a formal invitation by the Vanuatu Government through the Vanuatu Electoral Office.

MSG Secretariat to strengthen support for FLNKS

Issues discussed included the FLNKS’ main focus of activities this year namely the preparation of the third and final referendum and the dispute over the future of the Vale nickel plant.

The meeting Thursday was conducted to see how the MSG Secretariat could assist the FLNKS with regards to the Secretariat’s work programme, under the Political & Security Affairs (PSA) programme and specifically on FLNKS’ two main proposed areas of work this year.

MSG and Chinese Embassy in Vanuatu continue talks over partnership

Senior staff of the MSG Secretariat led by the Acting Director General, George Hoa’au, had discussions over lunch at the MK Restaurant hosted by the PRC Embassy Wednesday.

Counsellor of the PRC in Vanuatu, Counsellor Lin Bin, was informally briefed on membership issues and the existing processes of the convening of the biennium Leader’s Summit, the Foreign Ministers Meeting (FMM) and the Senior Officials Meeting (SOM).

MSG & UNDP explore ways to collaborate on improving elections in Vanuatu

The discussions were around collaborating on the Vanuatu Electoral Environment Project (VEEP).

MSG Secretariat Programme Manager for Political & Security Affairs, Ilan Kiloe, welcomed Anne-Sofie Gerhard, Chief Technical Adviser & Project Manager of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)’s VEEP, on behalf of the Acting Director General, George Hoa’au.

Mr Kiloe said the MSG Secretariat would be happy to support the work of UNDP in Vanuatu and provide assistance towards enhancing electoral systems in Vanuatu.

Melanesian Spearhead Group talks partnership with China

A meeting was held at the Chinese Embassy in Vanuatu's capital Port Vila where the MSG secretariat is also located.

A new multi-lateral approach is being heralded by the MSG secretariat, representing the group's five full members Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, PNG and New Caledonia's Kanaks.

MSG Secretariat acting director general George Hoa'au met with Chinese officials and said China is willing to be part of the development aspirations of the MSG.

Solomon Islands last year cut long-running diplomatic ties with Taiwan to switch to China.

Vanuatu to take up roles of MSG Chairman and post of Director General

The panel of recruitment has apparently met and should come up with its recommendations at the next MSG Leaders meeting for official endorsement.

The Vanuatu Prime Minister Bob Loughman Weibur will have the honor to make the announcement of the new Director General of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) when he soon takes over the chairmanship of the organisation.

Vanuatu is looking forward to take over the chairmanship of the sub regional organizstion when it is handed over by the Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marabe.

MSG Secretariat congratulates Vanuatu for launch of government national security strategy

Director General Ambassador Amena Yauvoli at the outset congratulated the Government of Vanuatu describing the National Security Strategy as an important strategic document aimed at effectively addressing security threats towards Vanuatu’s sustainable development aspirations and goals.

MSG Sub-Regional Workshop on Regional Integration and WTO

At the official opening of the five-day workshop, the Deputy Director General Peter Eafeare said the focus of workshop was to raise awareness about the various trade agreements and also develop strategies to support the implementation of trade facilitation initiatives in the MSG region.

The current Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Trade Agreement, being one of the pioneer regional integration initiative in the Pacific, currently facilitates free movement of goods with Melanesia.