Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka announced that Pacific Island Leaders have directed the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, in collaboration with Fiji, to draft an Ocean of Peace Declaration. This draft will be reviewed by the Leaders at the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting scheduled for 2025 in Honiara, Solomon Islands.
During his Ministerial Statement in Parliament, which addressed the outcomes of the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, Rabuka noted that Forum Leaders recognized the significance of the principles associated with the Oceans of Peace concept. He emphasized that one key principle involves establishing a code of conduct to address the pervasive issues of drugs and related crimes affecting the region.
“The Pacific Policing Initiative plays a crucial role in the Oceans of Peace. Achieving peace requires behavioral changes. The Pacific Policing Initiative aims to create regional training centers of excellence and a multinational deployable force,” Rabuka stated.
The Prime Minister also pointed out that Leaders have agreed on the creation of a Pacific-led, member-owned and managed climate and disaster resilience financing facility, which will be based in Tonga. He mentioned that Australia has committed AU$100 million, Saudi Arabia has pledged US$50 million, China is contributing US$500,000, the United States is providing US$25 million, and the United Kingdom is offering technical support valued at 1.3 million euros.