The Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, Pio Tikoduadua, has advocated for the establishment of a formal alliance among Pacific Island nations to address escalating maritime security issues.
Speaking at the Maritime Security Conference held at the Grand Pacific Hotel, Mr. Tikoduadua proposed the creation of the “Oceanic Alliance for the Security of Island States” (OASIS). This initiative aims to safeguard the region against threats such as illegal fishing, transnational crime, and the impacts of climate change.
“Our deep connection to the ocean is vital for our food, economic security, and overall well-being. We must take action to protect our maritime domain,” Mr. Tikoduadua asserted.
He also highlighted the strategic significance of the Blue Pacific, noting that the ongoing geopolitical rivalry between China and the United States, along with their allies, has put Fiji and its neighbors in the spotlight. Mr. Tikoduadua emphasized the necessity for the Pacific to assert control over its resources and take proactive steps to secure its future.
The British High Commissioner, Brian Jones, supported the Minister’s comments, pointing out the evolving challenges of maritime security. He emphasized that maritime security extends beyond the ocean’s surface, affecting the seabed, data cables, and the satellites crucial for modern shipping.
Munkhtuya Altangerel, the UNDP Resident Representative for the Pacific Office, also stressed the importance of empowering local maritime communities as the “first line of defense” against threats in the vast Pacific Ocean. She asserted that if maritime communities are thriving and dignified, they could effectively deter potential adversaries.
The two-day Maritime Security Conference brought together representatives from various government agencies, King’s College London, and other stakeholders, with the goal of fostering collaboration and exploring ways to sustain and protect Fiji’s maritime regions for current and future generations.