Fiji’s emerging role in advancing maritime security in the Pacific was prominently acknowledged during the recent 10th South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting (SPDMM) held in Viña del Mar, Chile. This significant gathering brought together defence ministers and representatives from Australia, Chile, Fiji, France, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Tonga to address common regional challenges.
A highlight of the meeting was the signing of a ship-riding agreement between France and Fiji, which enables foreign agents to work aboard French Navy vessels for fisheries control operations. This agreement, signed by French Ambassador to Chile Cyrille Rogeau and Fiji’s Minister for Defence and Veterans’ Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua, aims to enhance maritime security and interoperability between the two nations, reflecting a cooperative commitment to combat illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing.
During the discussions, the ministers praised Fiji’s initiative to establish the Vuvale Maritime Essential Services Centre as a regional hub. This center is expected to significantly fortify coordination in addressing transnational crime and maritime threats. Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles highlighted Fiji’s leadership, stating, “This facility will play a crucial role in intelligence-sharing, surveillance, and rapid response to illicit maritime activities.”
Furthermore, the meeting emphasized the importance of addressing non-traditional security threats such as climate-induced disasters. Fiji and Papua New Guinea received commendations for collaboratively presenting an intelligence brief on the evolving security landscape in the Pacific projected through to 2030.
As a testament to its growing influence, Fiji was designated as the host for the next SPDMM in 2026, reaffirming its pivotal role in fostering regional security collaboration. The commitment to strengthening defence partnerships, enhancing interoperability, and addressing shared challenges reflects a hopeful outlook for the Pacific’s future security framework.
This cooperative approach among Pacific nations serves as a beacon of collective resilience and determination to face evolving maritime challenges, ensuring a safer and more secure environment for all nations involved.
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