‘Preferred partner’: Baron Waqa calls for stronger US commitment

Baron Waqa, the Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum, says the United States continues to be the region’s partner of choice, but adds that there is a need for greater involvement from Washington on crucial issues like climate change.

Waqa reassures Pacific communities and international partners that regional leaders are more united and determined than ever, despite recent diplomatic tensions involving New Zealand, Kiribati, and the Cook Islands.

During his official visit to New Zealand this week, Waqa gave an exclusive interview to PMN News.

He described current disagreements between Forum members as natural and healthy.

"It's not uncommon,” Waqa says. “We've had in the past many rifts, they just don't see things eye-to-eye, but that's quite healthy, there's a show of maturity in our family.

“But at the end of the day, there's still that respect for each other as members of this bigger, greater foreign family, which is good.”

Waqa’s comments come in light of New Zealand’s cancellation of its $102 million development programme with Kiribati and the lack of consultation from the Cook Islands over a comprehensive partnership agreement signed earlier this year with China.

"The forum stands ready to assist if there's any real concern there by anyone and wanting our assistance to mediate them," the former Nauruan President says, adding that no official request has been made as yet.

Waqa reflects on recent meetings with international partners, including discussions with US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau.

Waqa also met with NZ Deputy PM Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters during his official visit to New Zealand. Photo/Winston Peters X

"The partnership between the United States and the Pacific is very, very important, and that's what we're hearing from them as well,” Waqa says.

“That is, I think, the most important for the Pacific because we want to engage with America, with the United States and they are our preferred partner.”

He says that despite disagreements on issues like climate change, the need for more US involvement in the Pacific is vital to changing perspectives.

“That means we can continue to discuss our concerns, our vulnerability. We have to present it to them so they understand.

“No, I'm not too concerned because we have to respect them; they just came out of a big election, a big win for them, so no, we can discuss climate issues with them, why not, why not.”

Waqa also addresses ongoing discussions about visa-free travel between Pacific nations and New Zealand.

Waqa speaks with PMN Political Reporter 'Alakihihifo Vailala during his trip to Wellington. Photo/Leanne Jorari

"We know very well that New Zealand decide for themselves, but we always ask them and we're always putting it to them to consider having some kind of a reciprocal arrangement with the rest of us.”

Looking ahead to the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum Leaders' Meeting in the Solomon Islands, Waqa emphasises that Pacific leaders are focused on asserting the region’s collective priorities, particularly climate change, economic resilience, and the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF).

He says United Nations Secretary General António Guterres has been invited to attend this year’s meeting.

“They'll probably be sending some senior officials as well, but he'll be in the Pacific then. He's intending to attend some important programmes, but we would like to coordinate and see how well we can fit him into our own programme, the PIF leaders.”

Listen to Waqa's interview during the South Pacific Defence Ministers Meeting last October