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 his address at the Maritime Security Conference held yesterday at the Grand Pacific Hotel, the Minister proposed the creation of the “Oceanic Alliance for the Security of Island States” (OASIS). This initiative aims to safeguard the region from various threats, including illegal fishing, transnational crime, and the impacts of climate change.
Mr. Tikoduadua highlighted the deep connection Pacific inhabitants have with the ocean, emphasizing that their food, economic stability, and overall well-being are closely tied to maritime security. He called for urgent action to ensure the protection of the maritime domain.
He also pointed out the strategic significance of the Blue Pacific, mentioning that geopolitical tensions between China and the United States, along with their allies, have put Fiji and its neighboring countries under greater scrutiny.
The Minister underscored the necessity for the Pacific to assert control over its resources and take decisive steps to secure its future.
British High Commissioner Brian Jones echoed the Minister’s concerns, noting the evolving landscape of maritime security. He stated that maritime security encompasses not just the surface of the sea but also the seabed, data cables, and the satellites that facilitate modern shipping.
Munkhtuya Altangerel, the UNDP Resident Representative for the Pacific Office, emphasized the importance of empowering local maritime communities to serve as the “first line of defense” against threats in the expansive Pacific Ocean. She suggested that well-empowered and dignified maritime communities can deter potential threats.
The two-day Maritime Security Conference, which included officials from government agencies, King’s College London, and various stakeholders, aims to foster collaboration among agencies and explore ways to sustain and protect Fiji’s maritime areas for future generations.