Nauru President and Chair of the meeting, Baron Waqa acknowledged the contribution of the sons of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the late Minister-in-Assistance to President Hilda Heine, Mattlan Zachras and former Foreign Minister, Tony de Brum.
“The passing of both men is not only a loss to the Marshalls but to the Pacific region as well. Especially in regard to Tony who was so well known to many in the region. Tony was our champion of climate change and he was like an older brother to all,” President Waqa said.