PACIFIC countries have been urged to show unity ahead of a regional forum in Solomon Islands later this month.
Papua New Guinea Minister James Marape made the call after Honiara indicated that it would not allow Taiwanese officials to attend the Pacific Islands Forum.
The move is a show of the Solomons’ support for Beijing and its One China Policy.
Marape said PNG had sent official advice to Solomons Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele but did not elaborate.
“Togetherness is security and empowerment,” Marape says.
Marape reinforced the importance of maintaining the Forum’s original framework and collective approach. That approach allows access to Taiwan and China.