Nauru President David Adeang has left the Cook Islands following his dramatic walkout from the Pacific Islands Forum meeting on Thursday.
Newshub understands he flew out of the country at 11.30am (local time), snubbing the special leaders retreat in Aitutaki.
It's another blow to the Pacific Forum's overall goal of unity and stability in the region.
This latest twist comes after he reportedly exited the high stakes gathering with other Pacific leaders on Thursday after questions were raised about the appointment of the forum's controversial new leader Baron Waqa.
Waqa was a controversial choice for the general-secretary position given his past, including being investigated for taking bribes and his treatment of refugees.
Outgoing deputy Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni and National's foreign affairs spokesperson Gerry Brownlee are representing New Zealand at the forum.
