Fiji has reaffirmed its role as a pivotal leader in maritime security within the Pacific region, as highlighted during the 10th South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting (SPDMM) held in Viña del Mar, Chile. This important forum brought together representatives from various Pacific countries, including Australia, Chile, Fiji, France, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Tonga, to address urgent regional security challenges.
A notable highlight from the SPDMM was the signing of a ship-riding agreement between France and Fiji, facilitating foreign agents boarding French Navy vessels to support fisheries control operations. This agreement aims to strengthen maritime security and enhance collaboration between the two nations, with the signing ceremony attended by French Ambassador to Chile Cyrille Rogeau and Fiji’s Minister for Defence and Veterans’ Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua.
Ministers expressed widespread support for the Vuvale Maritime Essential Services Centre, which is set to function as a regional hub for improved coordination in tackling transnational crime and maritime threats. Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles underscored Fiji’s critical role in this initiative, emphasizing its importance for intelligence-sharing, surveillance, and rapid response to illicit maritime activities.
Additionally, the meeting emphasized commitments to addressing non-traditional security threats, including those stemming from climate change. Fiji and Papua New Guinea were recognized for their cooperative intelligence efforts in anticipating security developments in the Pacific by 2030. The SPDMM concluded positively, with an agreement to reconvene in Fiji for the next meeting in 2026, signifying ongoing dedication to strengthening regional security through collaboration.
These developments highlight a collective commitment among Pacific nations to enhance maritime security and interagency cooperation. The outcomes not only tackle immediate security issues but also represent a broader commitment to resilient governance and collaboration, fostering hope for stability in the region’s future.