The Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, Pio Tikoduadua, has advocated for establishing a formal alliance among Pacific Island nations to address growing maritime security issues. During the Maritime Security Conference at the Grand Pacific Hotel, he proposed the formation of the “Oceanic Alliance for the Security of Island States” (OASIS) to safeguard the region against threats such as illegal fishing, transnational crime, and the impacts of climate change.
Mr. Tikoduadua highlighted the deep connection Pacific inhabitants have with the ocean, stating that their food, economic stability, and overall well-being are closely tied to maritime security. He called for urgent measures to ensure the protection of their maritime domain.
He also pointed out the strategic significance of the Blue Pacific and noted that geopolitical tensions between China and the United States and their allies have placed Fiji and neighboring countries under heightened scrutiny. The minister emphasized the need for the Pacific to take control of its resources and proactively secure its future.
The British High Commissioner, Brian Jones, echoed the minister’s sentiments, discussing the evolving nature of maritime security. He stated that it encompasses not only surface activities but also involves the seabed, data cables, and satellites essential for modern shipping.
Munkhtuya Altangerel, the UNDP Resident Representative for the Pacific Office, emphasized the importance of empowering local maritime communities as the primary defense against threats in the expansive Pacific Ocean. She remarked that well-equipped and prosperous maritime communities could deter potential threats.
The two-day Maritime Security Conference, which included representatives from government agencies, King’s College London, and various stakeholders, seeks to enhance collaboration among agencies and explore ways to sustain and protect Fiji’s maritime areas for current and future generations.