The Minister for Home Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua, has proposed the creation of an Oceanic Alliance for the Security of Island States (OASIS) to tackle the increasing security challenges faced by Pacific Island nations.
During the opening of the Maritime Security Conference in Suva, Tikoduadua emphasized the significance of maritime security for the economic stability, food security, and sovereignty of the region. He pointed out that the safety of maritime areas is essential for the well-being of Pacific communities, whose livelihoods depend heavily on the ocean.
He noted the growing tensions in the Pacific’s vast ocean spaces, which are drawing heightened interest due to geopolitical rivalries and power struggles. “Strategic power competition, not only for marine resources but also for influence in the Blue Pacific, Asia-Pacific, or Indo-Pacific, depending on perspective, has attracted the attention of powerful nations to our vast ocean,” he stated.
In light of these issues, the Minister has called for the establishment of OASIS as a formal platform, enabling Pacific Island States to come together to tackle various security challenges such as transnational organized crime, climate change, and illegal fishing practices.
“OASIS would ensure that our voices are not overshadowed by the geopolitical competition surrounding us,” Tikoduadua remarked. He stressed the necessity of collective action, highlighting that Pacific Island States frequently get overlooked on the global stage.
He urged regional nations to unite, asserting that collaboration is essential for securing their shared future. “In a world where Pacific Island States are often marginalized, we must stand together,” he said.
The two-day maritime security workshop, which will conclude tomorrow, is intended to foster collaboration among different agencies and explore strategies to safeguard the region’s maritime areas for future generations. Tikoduadua expressed his hope that the discussions would result in actionable outcomes that contribute to the Pacific’s long-term security and prosperity.