President Simina kicks off 52nd Pacific Islands Forum by convening Micronesian Presidents Summit Special Meeting, Bilaterals with Prime Minister of Cook Islands and President of the UNGA and participating in the Smaller Island States Meeting

Rarotonga, Cook Islands, November 6, 2023 – On day 1 on the ground in Rarotonga to participate in the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM52), President Simina convened a special meeting with fellow heads of state of the Micronesian sub-region, also known as the (MPS) Micronesian Presidents Summit. As the Chair, President Simina opened the meeting by thanking his fellow leaders for their contributions to the agenda and welcoming the newly elected President of Nauru, H.E. President David Adeang. The leaders discussed their collective priorities for the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), including components of the Suva Agreement. Following the MPS special meeting, President Simina met with the host and Chair of the PIF T.H. Prime Minister Mark Brown, where they discussed matters relating to the PIF reform and issues to be addressed in the main plenary and leaders retreat. President Simina then met with the United Nations President of the General Assembly, H.E. Dennis Francis, where they discussed the critical issue of accelerating action towards the protection of vulnerable nations due to climate change related sea level rise. President Simina and the delegation then participated in the meeting of the Smaller Island States, a sub-group of PIF that represents the most vulnerable of the Forum island countries, and includes the FSM, Cook Islands, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Marshall Islands, and Tuvalu. Members of President Simina\’s delegation include: Madam First Lady Ancelly Simina;T.H. Secretary Lorin Robert;T.H. Secretary Elina Akinaga;Acting Secretary Leonito Bacalando Jr.;H.E. Ambassador Carson Sigrah;Assistant Secretary Brendy Carl;Assistant Secretary Florian J. Yatilman;Chief of Staff Jane Chigiyal;First Secretary Rophino Roby;