The Pacific Islands Forum says the region's Blue Pacific voice will be at the forefront of talks underway in Suva on the ACP negotiations with the European Union.
Secretary General of the Forum Secretariat Dame Meg Taylor Photo: RNZI Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
Representatives from 13 Pacific states are holding a two day regional workshop as they prepare to replace the current arrangement, the Cotonou Agreement.
There are 79 African, Caribbean and Pacific nations, that are beneficiaries under the ACP-EU agreement made with the 28 EU members.
The deal to replace Cotonou will be signed in Samoa in 2020.
The Forum head office is hosting the workshop and Secretary General, Dame Meg Taylor, said at the forefront of their minds are the principles and objectives of the Framework for Pacific Regionalism, with Pacific leaders wanting to see their Blue Pacific future determined by their own priorities.
She said the Pacific wants development to be more effective, more co-ordinated and to make a real difference to the people of the region.