Prime Minister James Marape has congratulated Henry Puna for his appointment as Pacific Islands Forum General-Secretariat.
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.
In a marathon telephone secret ballot during the Special PIF Leaders Retreat held yesterday 03 February 2021, 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.
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.”
