Last week, the Fiji Navy participated in a significant delegation visit to New Zealand as part of the Maritime Security Oversight Committee (MSOC). This delegation, led by the Defence Permanent Secretary, Mason Smith, aimed to strengthen the partnership that was established during the committee’s earlier visit to Fiji this year.
During the visit, the delegation engaged in discussions centered around New Zealand’s processes for designing, drafting, and implementing its Maritime Security Strategy. The exchanges provided valuable insights, which included risk assessment methodologies and the importance of comprehensive multi-agency cooperation. These discussions were particularly relevant as Fiji continues to enhance its maritime security governance frameworks, aiming to empower and enable robust operations at sea, as well as collaborate with the Vuvale Maritime Essential Services Centre and key partners.
Additionally, the Chief of the Fiji Navy took the opportunity to hold bilateral talks with New Zealand’s Chief of Navy, focusing on avenues to bolster cooperation between the two naval forces. The Fiji Navy expressed gratitude to various maritime agencies in New Zealand for their support throughout the visit.
This initiative has been further supported by the Government of the United Kingdom, with assistance from the British High Commission in Fiji and the UNDP. This collaboration is part of the broader commitment to enhance maritime security and safety within the Pacific region. The UK government continues to work closely with Fiji and regional partners to improve national coordination and reinforce collective efforts aimed at ensuring the safety and resilience of Pacific waters.
This proactive approach highlights a growing commitment among Pacific nations to work collaboratively in order to address maritime security challenges and shared threats, illustrating a hopeful vision for a safer maritime environment in the region.
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