Prime Minister James Marape, MP has conveyed his congratulations to the new Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), Mr Henry Puna, the immediate former Prime Minister of the Cook Islands.
In a marathon telephone secret ballot during the Special PIF Leaders Retreat held yesterday 03 February 2021, Mr Puna was successfully appointed as the new Secretary General.
Apart from Mr Puna, three other candidates from Tonga, Solomon Islands and Republic of Marshall Island also contested.
In offering his congratulations soon after the election outcome at 10:30pm (PNG time) last night, Prime Minister Marape commended Mr Puna for his appointment, stating that he was well credentialed and suitably qualified for this important post given his vast knowledge and experience in addressing and managing political, socio-economic development, climate and environment issues affecting the Pacific.
Prime Minister Marape also conveyed his profound appreciation to the out-going Secretary General Dame Meg Taylor who he described ‘as one of PNG’s most highly respected and distinguished daughter’ who had served the Pacific with great distinction, meritoriously.
“It is under her watch over the last two terms that she was able to successfully rationalize the Secretariat to make it more practically responsive to its Leadership and Mandate”, said Prime Minister Marape.
“I wish her well in whatever career pursuits she embarks upon following her successful tour of duty at the PIFS.”
