PORT VILA, 12 MAY 2026 – Tuvalu’s Minister of Transport, Energy, Communication and Innovation, Honourable Simon Kofe successfully hosted and chaired the Fourth Aviation Ministers Meeting (RAMM4) virtually today.

With an extensive agenda, the meeting discussed several items pertaining to the theme of “A More Connected, Safe, Affordable and Resilient Pacific.” These included:

• The Regional Aviation Action Plan
•  Progress of the Air Connectivity Working Group
• Future options for the RAMM Secretariat
• Pacific Islands Civil Aviation Safety & Security Treaty
• Next Steps to 5th Regional Aviation Ministers Meeting

While welcoming delegates from around the Pacific, Hon. Kofe recognised the Pacific’s commitment to aviation safety and collaboration for more reliable, affordable, safe and resilient air connectivity.  “The RAMM is an opportunity where we can come together to discuss and express our concerns over the challenges the aviation sector faces while building on the successes of the previous meetings. This meeting allows us to further express our commitment to expedite attention to the aviation priorities and advance collective efforts to achieving transformative change for regional aviation.”

The meeting was opened with brief remarks from the Pacific Island Forum Secretary General, Mr. Baron Waqa followed by the International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO) Secretary General, Mr. Juan Carlos Salazar, and a presentation by the ICAO Regional Director, Mr. Tao Ma and ICAO Pacific Small Island States Liaison Officer, Mr. Kyal Barter on the ICAO Implementation Support Road Map (ISR) to support Members and strengthen the Pacific  Aviation Safety Office (PASO).

As Secretariat of the Meeting (RAMM4), PASO General Manager, Ueta Solomona said “Our organisation oversees aviation safety and security in the Pacific region by aligning regulations to ICAO standards, bringing together technical resources and facilitating regional cooperation. We work by addressing specific needs and threats to the Pacific and creating a comprehensive support system for the aviation industry that is in line with global development.”

“The Ministers for Aviation showed continued commitment to a safe, secure, connected and sustainable aviation industry which are all in line with the overarching 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent,” he said.

“With regards to connectivity, we recognise the fuel crisis is an impediment to services in the region and appreciate the Forum (PIFS) Taskforce that has been established to look into increased airfares, aerodromes for refuelling, etc . PASO will share an update with Ministers in the next two weeks,” said Solomona.

The region is supported by a suite of agreements and strategies – including the Pacific Islands Civil Aviation Safety  , the Pacific Regional Aviation Strategy 2022 –2032, Pacific Regional Aviation Action Plan with its Pacific Regional Engagement Framework  and finally the Suva Declaration on Strengthening Regional Partnership for

Safe, Secure and Sustainable Aviation Connectivity. Together these instruments map clear course for enhanced air travel safety, security and environmental sustainability, as well as modernise infrastructure for the region.   strengthening regional capability: bolstering regulatory oversight.

The Meeting concluded with Tuvalu committing to hosting the next in person Regional Aviation Ministers Meeting 5, in 2027.