Pacific leaders looking forward to Apec summit

Pacific Islands leaders are looking forward to be in Papua New Guinea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Summit in November, says Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Rimbink Pato.
Pato said the Government has invited the leaders to strengthen the bond among island nations.
“At the (recent) Pacific Islands Forum in Nauru, we increased our determination to act collectively on a wide range of issues especially on climate change, and we can follow that up in November,” Pato said.
“The endorsement of the security declaration, Biketawa Plus, and a long list of other decisions indicates the hard work and dedication of leaders, ministers and officials to the people of the Pacific.”
He said the leaders also discussed the Papuan provinces of Indonesia and hoped to find a solution which “will bring positive results for all in terms of economic and social development of those living in the border region, and one that would avoid the bad outcomes that would arise from policies of confrontation and conflict”.
Pato met United States Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke and the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matt Matthews.