The 20th Post-Forum Dialogue Partners(PFDP)' Plenary opened in Alofi, Niue Thursday with focus on environment and resource protection.

The delegates are expected to hold discussions on environment and resources issues, as well as other regional and international issues as part of the agenda of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).

Niuean Premier Toke Talagi declared the opening of the plenary, welcoming the delegates traveling a long way for the meeting to improve their relationships and to "help each other, help the Pacific, help the countries."

Talagi said the meeting would discuss a number of issues, taking particular note of those being discussed by the Forum leaders.

Leaders from the 15 PIF countries concluded their two-day summit Wednesday, after discussions on climate change, food and fuel security and Fiji situation.

Since 1989, the PIF has held Post Forum Dialogues with key Dialogue Partners at ministerial level. The 14-member PFDP includes: Canada, China, European Union, France, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Britain and the United States.

After the plenary, Chinese delegation, led by Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Jieyi, will hold bilateral meetings with Pacific island nations.

(Xinhua News Agency August 22, 2008)