Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka announced that Pacific Island Leaders have directed the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, in collaboration with Fiji, to create a draft Ocean of Peace Declaration. This declaration is set to be reviewed by Leaders during the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting scheduled for 2025 in Honiara, Solomon Islands.
During his Ministerial Statement in Parliament regarding last week’s 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, Rabuka emphasized that Forum Leaders recognized the significance of the principles outlined in the Oceans of Peace concept. One of these principles advocates for the implementation of a code of conduct, highlighting the urgent need to address the issues of drugs and related crimes affecting the region.
“The Pacific Policing Initiative is crucial to the Oceans of Peace initiative. It is essential that peace leads to behavioral changes. The Pacific Policing Initiative aims to establish regional training centers of excellence and a standing multinational deployable force,” Rabuka stated.
Additionally, the Prime Minister announced the establishment of the first Pacific-led, member-owned, managed, and people-centered climate and disaster resilience financing facility, which will be based in Tonga. He noted that various countries have pledged financial support for this initiative: Australia has contributed AU$100 million, Saudi Arabia US$50 million, China US$500,000, the United States US$25 million, and the United Kingdom has committed to providing technical support worth 1.3 million euros.