The Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration held a conference for the Maritime Security Committee aimed at enhancing safety and security at Fiji’s borders. This two-day event, supported by the Government of the United Kingdom and UNDP, brought together key stakeholders and academics from King’s College London to address the protection of Fiji’s seaports, borders, and the broader Blue Pacific region.
The conference emphasized the unique challenges involved in safeguarding Fiji’s extensive oceanic territory and highlighted the country’s rich maritime heritage, which has significantly contributed to the identity of both Fiji and the Pacific over centuries.
The discussions also highlighted the valuable collaboration between King’s College and the Maritime Security Committee in improving interagency maritime policy, legislative capabilities, and strategic insights to protect the Blue Pacific through formal partnerships.
During the opening of the conference, Minister for Home Affairs Pio Tikoduadua proposed the creation of an Oceanic Alliance for the Security of Island States, referred to as “OASIS.” Tikoduadua emphasized that this alliance would serve as a formal platform for addressing security challenges collectively, including combating transnational organized crime, tackling climate change, and preventing illegal fishing practices.
“In a world where Pacific Island States are often overlooked, we must unite. Only by standing together, alongside our partners, can we strengthen our voices and ensure a secure future for all. OASIS would exemplify this unity and represent a proactive approach to protecting our maritime regions from escalating external threats,” Tikoduadua stated.
The workshop aimed to encourage collaboration among agencies and explore ways to sustainably protect maritime areas for the benefit of current and future generations.
British High Commissioner to Fiji, Dr. Brian Jones, remarked that maritime security extends beyond the ocean’s surface, encompassing aspects like underwater cables. He noted, “We’re in a complex environment that complicates our roles, and just like the sub-sea or what lies above, our resolve should be profound, and our aspirations should be lofty.”