Defence Ministers from various South Pacific nations have come together to strengthen their commitment to regional security and cooperation at the 10th South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting (SPDMM) held in Chile last week. This meeting brought together delegates from Australia, Chile, Fiji, France, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Tonga, along with observers from Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Special guest participation from the Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa underscored the meeting’s significance.
Since its inception in 2013, the SPDMM has served as a crucial platform for dialogue on addressing shared security challenges in the Pacific region. At this year’s meeting, members reaffirmed their collective commitment to address critical issues such as climate-related disasters, humanitarian assistance, and transnational crime.
The ministers emphasized the importance of operational collaboration among their militaries and discussed the vital need to strengthen interoperability to respond effectively to emerging threats. A primary focus was on the Pacific Response Group (PRG), which aims to enhance regional disaster response capabilities. Members reviewed the PRG’s first year and endorsed its second phase, with New Zealand set to assume command of the PRG headquarters from July 2026.
A key topic addressed was maritime security. Chile presented findings on transnational organized crime, particularly illegal drug routes from South America into the Pacific. Participants were resolute in their commitment to ensure comprehensive maritime security, advocating for an intelligence-led regional operation to combat such threats. Fiji’s proposal to enhance the Vuvale Maritime Essential Services Centre as a regional asset received enthusiastic support.
Moreover, the ministers welcomed the endorsement of France’s SPDMM Information Sharing Framework, aimed at improving interoperability among member nations and regional partners. The meeting also saw the launch of two initiatives: the SPDMM Academic Cooperation Network, focusing on research linking climate change to regional security, and the SPDMM Regional Training Framework, which will create an online platform for coordinated defence training across the Pacific.
Ministers also discussed the importance of women’s participation in defense discussions and reaffirmed their commitment to the Women, Peace, and Security agenda. With the upcoming 25th anniversary of the UN Security Council Resolution dedicated to this cause, a focus on enhancing the role of women in regional defence initiatives was validated. The meeting concluded with ministers expressing gratitude to Chile for hosting the event, and a decision was made for Fiji to host the next SPDMM in 2026.
This collaborative effort marks a significant step towards a more unified and resilient approach to security in the Pacific region, signaling a hopeful future as nations come together to address common challenges.