13 Jul 2005

Tuvalu PM backs Vanuatu's call for debt write-off

7:07 pm on 13 July 2005

Tuvalu's prime minister, Maatia Toafa, is backing calls for debt cancellation for poor countries in the region.

Mr Toafa also supports officials from Vanuatu, who're asking debt relief to be worked into the Pacific Islands Forum's Pacific Plan.

Leading rich nations have recently approved a plan to cancel the debt of 18 of the world's poorest countries - most of which are in Africa... but the issue wasn't on the agenda of this week's Forum Core Group meeting.

Mr Toafa says the Forum could consider debt cancellation alongside other financial issues.

"One of the issues to be included in the Pacific Plan is financing mechanisms, you know, especially for small island states like Tuvalu. I would love to see that happening, yeah."