The Solomon Islands Foreign Minister Milner Tozaka has paid tribute to the outgoing Director General of the Melanesian Spearhead Group Secretariat.
Melanesian Spearhead Group flags flown in Noumea. Photo: RNZI
Peter Forau, who has held the position since 2011, tendered his resignation with the MSG chair, Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare.
In a letter to Mr Sogavare, Mr Forau said circumstances beyond his control intervened in his desires to keep the job.
Mr Tozaka says that during Mr Forau's time in charge of the secretariat, the MSG has made significant achievements, such as incorporating West Papuan involvement in the group.
"He has deliberated exactly within his powers but making an environment for us in the MSG to be able to meet and I think we have achieved the objective at this present point of time in our approach with the West Papua issue."
Mr Tozaka says the recently secured MSG Trade Agreement is another example of Mr Forau's stewardship.