RNZ Pacific reporters

Leaders of Pacific Islands Forum countries, which includes Australia and New Zealand, have officially invoked the Biketawa Declaration to support a coordinated regional response to the global fuel crisis affecting regional countries.

The Forum last month announced it planned to invoke the declaration, which sets out a framework for regional responses to crises in the Pacific.

A statement from the Forum said leaders seek to act decisively in anticipation of worsening global conditions as the crisis in the Middle-East continues to disrupt fuel supply chain.

"Leaders have recognised the value in early-positioning and preparing the region to respond in a coordinated and effective manner to the emerging energy crisis.

"A co-ordinated member-led regional response mechanism will strengthen regional coordination, support timely decision-making, and help safeguard economic stability and essential services across the Pacific."

In invoking the Declaration, a special session of the Forum Officials Committee will be convened this month

This will be followed by a Special Session of Forum Foreign Ministers, to consider the structure, governance arrangements and technical support required to operarationalise the regional response.

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