PM applauds Puna

PRIME Minister James Marape congratulated the new secretary-general of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Henry Puna.
Puna is the former prime minister of the Cook Islands.
He was appointed in a secret ballot conducted via telephone during the special Pacific Islands Forum leaders retreat on Wednesday.
Apart from Puna, three other candidates from Tonga, the Solomon Islands and the Republic of Marshall Islands also indicated their interest for the position.
After the election outcome at about 10.30pm (PNG time), Marape congratulated Puna saying that he was suitably qualified and had vast knowledge and experience in addressing and managing political, socio-economic development, climate and environment issues affecting the Pacific.
Marape conveyed his appreciation to out-going secretary-general Dame Meg Taylor who he described “as one of PNG’s most highly respected and distinguished daughters” who had served the Pacific meritoriously and with great distinction.
“It is under her watch over the last two terms that she was able to successfully rationalise the secretariat to make it more practically responsive to its leadership and mandate,” he said.
“I wish her well in whatever career pursuits she embarks on.”