Fiji to host Pacific leaders

Fiji will host Pacific island leaders at a summit next week featuring Thailand's deputy prime minister as a special guest.

Thailand's deputy prime minister will be the headline act at Pacific island leaders talks next week in Fiji.

The Pacific Island Development Forum will meet in Suva from September 2-4 when climate change and economic issues will top the agenda.

Fiji set up a rival club of Pacific countries to protest Australia and New Zealand's heavy influence on the Pacific Island Forum, which meets in Port Moresby the following week without Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama.