The Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, Pio Tikoduadua, has advocated for the establishment of a formal alliance among Pacific Island nations to address increasing maritime security challenges. During the Maritime Security Conference held at the Grand Pacific Hotel, he introduced the concept of the “Oceanic Alliance for the Security of Island States” (OASIS), which aims to safeguard the region against threats such as illegal fishing, transnational crime, and the impacts of climate change.
Mr. Tikoduadua emphasized the deep connection that Pacific inhabitants have with the ocean, stating that their food supply, economic stability, and overall well-being are closely tied to maritime security. He called for urgent measures to protect the maritime domain.
He also underlined the strategic significance of the Blue Pacific, pointing out that geopolitical tensions between China and the United States, along with their allies, have put Fiji and its neighboring countries in the spotlight. The Minister highlighted the importance of the Pacific taking control of its resources and acting decisively to secure its future.
Brian Jones, the British High Commissioner, echoed the Minister’s comments by noting the evolving landscape of maritime security. He remarked that maritime security encompasses not only the ocean’s surface but also the seabed and the networks that manage vast amounts of data and modern shipping.
Munkhtuya Altangerel, the UNDP Resident Representative for the Pacific Office, stressed the importance of empowering local maritime communities, labeling them as the “first line of defense” against threats in the expansive Pacific Ocean. She suggested that well-supported and dignified maritime communities could deter potential adversaries.
The two-day conference brought together government representatives, King’s College London members, and various stakeholders, focusing on collaborative efforts to maintain and protect Fiji’s maritime areas for the benefit of current and future generations.