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 escalating security issues faced by Pacific Island nations.
During the Maritime Security Conference in Suva, Tikoduadua emphasized the critical role of maritime security in ensuring the region’s economic stability, food security, and sovereignty. He remarked that the safety of maritime environments is vital for the well-being of the Pacific peoples, whose livelihoods depend heavily on the ocean.
Tikoduadua noted that increasing pressures on the expansive Pacific Ocean are now garnering attention due to geopolitical conflicts and strategic power competition. He stated, “Strategic power competition, not only for marine resources but also for leadership in the Blue Pacific, Asia-Pacific, or Indo-Pacific—depending on perspective—has drawn the attention of powerful nations to our vast ocean.”
In light of these challenges, the Minister proposed OASIS as a formal platform for Pacific Island States to collaborate on various security matters. These include tackling transnational organized crime, addressing climate change, and combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
“OASIS would ensure that our voices are not drowned out by the geopolitical competition around us,” Tikoduadua declared. He stressed the necessity for collective action, pointing out that Pacific Island States often lack visibility on the global stage.
He called for unity among the nations, insisting that only through collaboration can they secure a prosperous shared future. “In a world where Pacific Island States are often overshadowed, we must stand together,” he stated.
The two-day maritime security workshop, which wraps up tomorrow, aims to foster cooperation among various agencies and develop strategies to safeguard the region’s maritime areas for the current and future generations. Tikoduadua expressed his hope that the discussions would produce tangible actions beyond the conference, enhancing the long-term security and prosperity of the Pacific.