The Solomon Islands Government has confirmed that the caretaker Prime Minister, Dr. Derek Sikua will not be attending next week's Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Summit to be held in Vanuatu.
Secretary to the Prime Minister, Jeremy Manele through SIBC news stated that Dr Sikua will be in Honiara to concentrate on the Solomon Islands general election on August the 4th.In his place, Dr Sikua will be sending a special envoy, Mr. Paul Tovua, to attend the Forum for the Solomons.
Mr. Paul Tovua who was the former Speaker of Parliament is also currently the permanent secretary responsible for the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands within the Prime Minister's Office.
Meanwhile, the Australian Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, who is also the current chair of the body, is the only other national leader not expected to attend the summit.
Australia's Foreign Minister Stephen Smith says a decision is yet to be made on who will attend the summit in Ms Gillard's place.