"We have come through a period of some fracture," incoming PIF Chair Mark Brown said.
"Re-establishing those ties, re-establishing relationships, that's going to be an important part of the side events of this meeting."
A number of issues are on the agenda, and among the top items will be welcoming Kiribati back into the fold.
"The Forum leaders meeting will be a happy occasion," PIF Secretary-General Henry Puna said.