Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has written to Peter O’Neill – his counterpart in Papua New Guinea, explaining his absence from the Pacific Island Forum Leaders Summit.

Bainimarama says he regrets his inability to attend because of the refusal of Australia and New Zealand to step back.

He has once again stressed the need to allow the Pacific Island nations to determine their own futures free from outside interference.

In the letter the Fijian Prime Minister also says Fiji has significant differences with Australia over its policies on climate change which are clearly not in the interests of the Pacific Small Island Developing States.

Bainimarama tells his PNG counterpart that Foreign Minister, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, is representing Fiji and has been instructed to do everything possible to help make the event a success.

He goes on to say that while he personally will be absent from the Leaders Meeting, Fiji will continue to be engaged with the Forum at ministerial and other levels.

Bainimarama has assured O’Neill of cooperation and support as Pacific Island Forum Chair in addressing the priority issues.