Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has announced that Pacific Island Leaders have assigned the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, in collaboration with Fiji, to create a draft Ocean of Peace Declaration. This draft is set to be discussed by leaders at the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, which will take place in Honiara, Solomon Islands, in 2025.
In his recent Ministerial Statement to Parliament regarding the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, Rabuka highlighted that Forum Leaders recognized the significance of the principles underlying the Oceans of Peace initiative. He pointed out that one principle advocates for the establishment of a code of conduct to combat the ongoing issues related to drugs and associated crimes affecting their nations and the region.
“The Pacific Policing Initiative is fundamental to the Oceans of Peace. Achieving peace requires a change in behavior. The initiative includes the creation of regional training centers of excellence and a standing multinational deployable force,” Rabuka stated.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister emphasized the establishment of the first Pacific-led, member-owned, managed, and community-focused facility for climate and disaster resilience financing. He noted that the facility will be based in Tonga.
Rabuka also revealed that various countries have made significant financial commitments toward this initiative, with Australia pledging AU$100 million, Saudi Arabia contributing US$50 million, China offering US$500,000, the United States providing US$25 million, and the United Kingdom promising technical support valued at 1.3 million euros.