Prime Minister Christopher Luxon with Samoa Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mata'afa on the sidelines of PIF. Photo: Australian Associated Press / Ben McKay
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has met his Tonga and Samoa counterparts on the sidelines of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).
Luxon is on the ground in Nuku'alofa for the next three days at what is his first forum in the top job.
The PIF has a lot on its agenda this year with political unrest in New Caledonia, relationships to repair after Micronesian countries threatened to leave the group a few years ago and the ongoing impacts of climate change.
The leader's part of the forum began Wednesday morning, with each of the 18 member states gathering at in the Tonga High Schools brand new auditorium for the opening remarks and a 'family photo'.
The 18 member states of the Pacific Islands Forum. Photo: RNZ / Anneke Smith
Pacific leaders mingled with one another; Luxon working his way around the room for brief, friendly chats with many of the leaders, including Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, before he took his seat.
Tonga Prime Minister and forum chairperson Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni welcomed the group to the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum.
"Thank you for the very robust and engaging discussions we've had over the last few days. I a knowledge in particular the discussion we had with the UN Secretary General."
Luxon had bilateral meetings with his Tonga and Samoa counterparts.
New Zealand has renewed its statement of partnership with Tonga, committing to working together on common priority areas including climate change, security, education, labour mobility and trade.
Christopher Luxon with Tonga Prime Minister and forum chair Hu'akavameiliku. Photo: Anneke Smith/RNZ
The leaders of both countries also aknowledged progress on two projects, the installation of a second under-sea telecommunications cable and preparations for the construction of a new Fale Alea (Parliament) complex, funded through the New Zealand International Development Cooperation programme.
Luxon will continue holding bilateral meeting with Pacific leaders on the margins of the forum today before the group heads to Vava'u Island for the leader's retreat.