18 Feb 2021

FSM begins process to leave Pacific Islands Forum

5:04 pm on 18 February 2021

The government of the Federated States of Micronesia has confirmed it has formally triggered moves to leave the Pacific Islands Forum.

A diplomatic note has gone to Fiji as the host for the Pacific Island Forum Secretariat, beginning a one-year process for the FSM to withdraw from the PIF, concluding on 14 February next year.

FSM President, David Panuelo

FSM President, David Panuelo Photo: Office of the President of the FSM

The move comes after the Micronesian Presidents' Summit of the FSM, the Marshall Islands, Palau, Kiribati and Nauru.

All said they would leave the Forum in protest at their candidate not securing the position of Secretary-General of the group, despite what they deemed a gentlemen's agreement to allow the position to be rotated among the sub-regions of the Pacific.

However, the FSM will remain a full member of each individual agency, like the Secretariat to the Pacific Community and the Forum Fisheries Agency.