The Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, Pio Tikoduadua, has advocated for the establishment of a formal coalition among Pacific Island nations to address the escalating challenges in maritime security.
During the Maritime Security Conference at the Grand Pacific Hotel, the Minister introduced the idea of an “Oceanic Alliance for the Security of Island States” (OASIS), designed to safeguard the region against threats including illegal fishing, transnational crime, and climate change impacts.
Mr. Tikoduadua emphasized the profound connection Pacific inhabitants have with the ocean, stating that food security, economic stability, and overall well-being are all closely tied to maritime safety. He urged immediate action to protect these maritime resources.
He also highlighted the strategic significance of the Blue Pacific, noting that geopolitical tensions involving China and the United States and their allies have brought Fiji and neighboring countries into sharper focus.
The Minister insisted that Pacific nations must take control of their resources to secure their future effectively. His sentiments were echoed by British High Commissioner Brian Jones, who pointed out that maritime security encompasses not just the surface of the sea, but also the seabed, vital data cables, and satellites that manage contemporary shipping.
UNDP Resident Representative for the Pacific Office, Munkhtuya Altangerel, stressed the importance of empowering local maritime communities as the frontline defenders against threats in the expansive Pacific. She stated that if empowered and dignified, these communities can deter potential adversaries.
The two-day Maritime Security Conference, which included participants from various government agencies, King’s College London, and other stakeholders, aimed to foster collaboration among government entities and explore strategies to preserve and protect Fiji’s maritime areas for current and future generations.