The Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration held a conference for Fiji’s Maritime Security Committee, focusing on the safety and security of the nation’s borders.
The two-day event, supported by the Government of the United Kingdom and UNDP, gathered key stakeholders in maritime security along with a group of academics from King’s College London. Discussions centered on enhancing the protection of Fiji’s seaports and borders and the broader Blue Pacific region.
A significant aspect of the conference was the acknowledgment of the unique challenges faced in safeguarding Fiji’s extensive maritime domain, as well as the rich maritime heritage that has influenced the identity of the nation and the Pacific for thousands of years.
The conference emphasized the importance of collaboration between King’s College and the Maritime Security Committee. This partnership aims to improve interagency maritime policy, legislative authority, and strategic insights necessary for the protection of the Blue Pacific.
Minister for Home Affairs Pio Tikoduadua introduced the concept of an Oceanic Alliance for the Security of Island States, referred to as “OASIS.” During his opening remarks, he highlighted that this alliance would serve as a formal platform to collectively tackle security issues, including combatting transnational organized crime, addressing climate change, and preventing illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
“In a world where Pacific Island States are often overlooked, we must unite. Together, with our partners, we can amplify our voices and secure our collective future. OASIS would symbolize this unity—a proactive approach to protect our maritime territories against increasing external threats,” Tikoduadua stated.
The workshop aimed to foster cooperation among agencies and identify ways to sustain and safeguard maritime areas for the benefit of current and future generations.
British High Commissioner to Fiji, Dr. Brian Jones, noted that maritime security encompasses not only the surface of the ocean but also the connections beneath it. He emphasized the complexity of the environment and the need for deep determination and high ambition in their efforts.