Tuvalu’s Prime Minister says Fiji’s Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and his government never walked out of the Pacific Islands Forum.

While speaking at the media briefing in Funafuti last night, Enele Sopoaga praised Bainimarama for his work on climate change and he says Fiji never left PIFS and they were always part of it.

Sopoaga says Fiji will always be a significant member of the forum.

“It’s only some people are saying or Fiji has left the forum because of the disagreement they between NZ and Australia, I don’t think Fiji has never walked out, they are one of the significant member. “

PIFS General Secretary Dame Meg Taylor says the secretariat is pleased with Bainimarama being able to avail himself for the meeting.

“And we will do everything to work and ensure that our relationship is strengthen.”

Meanwhile, Sopoaga says Pacific island leader will always have that deep connection within them and they will continue to push for the fight against climate change.