Fiji, Aug. 21 -- Pacific Islands Forum members must remain united and speak with one voice as the Blue Pacific Continent faces growing geopolitical pressures, says outgoing Forum Chair and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale.

Wale made the remarks ahead of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting and Related Meetings in Palau from 30 August to 04 September 2026.

Wale said the Pacific's strength lies in its unity and its ability to set its own priorities when engaging with partners outside the region.

"So small, with specks, in a vast ocean, of course the ocean in itself is as of right now, we say a continent, and rightly so," Wale said.

He said being recognised as the Blue Pacific Continent also carries responsibilities ...