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Prime Minister John Key - Source: ONE News -
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The "silly shirt" group photo session is set to provide some light relief today for those observing the otherwise serious Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) in Vanuatu.
The leaders' retreat stage of the PIF involves a tradition where leaders of the member states dress in shirts representing the host country, generally putting representatives from the likes of New Zealand and Australia in more flamboyant attire than what they are used to.
The PIF was held in Cairns, Australia, last year and the not-so-flamboyant RM Williams shirts and boots that were handed out bucked tradition, but bright summery shirts commonly worn in Vanuatu may or may not give an indication of what can be expected.
Prime Minister John Key said yesterday he wasn't sure what to expect but hoped the shirts would be in the National Party's blue colours. He said he would consider having a swim as well, but assured journalists he would be wearing board shorts and not a "mankini".
Issues set to be discussed today include trade, aid, economic development, climate change, security and fisheries.
Key yesterday attended the forum's opening ceremony and held informal discussions with counterparts including incoming PIF chair, Vanuatu Prime Minsiter Edward Natapei, and Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith, who is filling in for Prime Minister Julia Gillard as she focuses on elections.
He announced funding for a couple of Pacific initiatives including increasing the number of scholarships for Pacific tertiary students studying in New Zealand and boosting resources to help provide for better management and oversight of Pacific fisheries.
In his opening address, Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Tuiloma Neroni Slade, noted New Zealand and Australia's strong contribution to the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI), considered throughout the region to be playing a leading role in restoring security and stability in the Solomons.
Today's leaders' retreat will be followed by post forum meetings tomorrow before representatives return to their home countries.
