The Indo-Pacific Armies Management Seminar (IPAMS) provides a forum for military leaders to collaborate, exchange ideas, and strengthen partnerships. This importance was emphasized by Brigadier-General Onisivoro Covunisaqa, the Fiji Land Force Commander, during the 48th annual IPAMS seminar, which took place in Nadi on Tuesday. Fiji last hosted this conference in 2006.
Reflecting on the past, Brig-Gen Covunisaqa noted, “In 2006, we were not focused on the collective approach to threats in the Pacific,” adding that the landscape has changed. He expressed appreciation for US Army Pacific (USARPAC) leadership in bringing together various nations and forces to discuss shared concerns at this year’s seminar.
General Charles Flynn, Commander of US Army Pacific, supported this view, highlighting the importance of discussions on humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and the role of land forces in acute crises. He mentioned that the seminar’s theme for this year is “Joint & Combined Operations in the Indo-Pacific Region.” He referred to the theme as embodying a “unity of action,” emphasizing the collaborative efforts among partner forces.
General Flynn stated, “What makes this such an achievable goal for this group of land forces is that we can achieve unity of action because unlike our adversaries, we share a vision—a common vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific.” He also noted a significant increase over the last decade in the desire among nations to engage in multilateral activities that bring military forces together to address shared challenges.
IPAMS is recognized as the longest-running multinational military seminar in the region, focused on promoting security, peace, and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific area. This year’s participants included representatives from Australia, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, Fiji, France, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. The conference concluded yesterday.