Outgoing Solomons Island's High Commissioner to Fiji, H.E Moses Kouni, says the Melanesian Spearhead Group has no intention of replacing the Pacific Islands Forum as purported by certain observers.
Mr Mose said the MSG had been set up to complement the work of the Pacific Islands Forum and that with Fiji at the helm, its future looked promising.He has been in Fiji for more than five years but has only been the Solomon Islands High Commissioner for a little over a year.
He believes Fiji has much to contribute to the Pacific.
Mr Mose said that with Fiji's vast experience in terms of economic development, member countries and non-member countries alike stood to gain a lot in trade, investment, and assistance amongst other things.
"Fiji has already shown its intentions of expanding cooperation between members by agreeing to be the host for a regional police academy," he said.
"It has a lot more to offer to the wider Pacific region."
Mr Mose said that member countries had opted to take a more proactive approach towards Fiji's political situation by allowing Fiji to remain in the MSG while members continued to push for a return to democratic rule.
He and his family were given a farewell luncheon by the members of the Saint Andrews Anglican Church after service yesterday.
"My wife and I have been blessed to have been a part of this Church."
"We have been active members since 2005. It was also an honour to have been part of the Church's district committee."
Mr Mose said he enjoyed his seven year stay in the country including his one year tenure as the Solomon Islands High Commissioner and described the experience as being fruitful and enjoyable.