Pacific Nations Contributors to Global Peace and Stability
“In Fiji’s perspective, peace is not a mere absence of conflict. It aligns with sustainable development, constructive dialogue, and collaborative measures against prevalent security threats.”
Monday 23 October 2023 | 15:16
Former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon (second from left) and Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, Pio Tikoduadua (third from left) with participants of the the Seoul Defence Dialogue in Korea. Photos: DEPTFO
Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, Pio Tikoduadua, championed the interests, contributions, and unique challenges of Pacific states in the broader Indo-Pacific context during the prominent plenary session of the Seoul Defence Dialogue.
The Seoul Defence Dialogue was held in Korea from October 17–19, 2023.
The theme at the dialogue was “Cooperation and Solidarity for Freedom, Peace, and Prosperity.”
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Speaking at the dialogue, Mr Tikoduadua laid out the value proposition of ‘large ocean states’ in global geopolitics.
“The ocean, with its vastness and resources, is integral to the socio-economic fabric of Pacific nations,” Mr Tikoduadua said.
Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, Pio Tikoduadua.
He presented the aspirations of Pacific leaders for the Blue Pacific Continent, underscoring the necessity for both terrestrial and maritime peace.
“In Fiji’s perspective, peace is not a mere absence of conflict. It aligns with sustainable development, constructive dialogue, and collaborative measures against prevalent security threats.”
Tackling the subject of climate change, Mr Tikoduadua articulated its direct relevance to Pacific states.
He emphasised that security frameworks in the region must incorporate proactive strategies to address the impending challenges posed by environmental changes.
“Pacific nations are not mere strategic locations but vital contributors to global peace and stability.”
Mr Tikoduadua extended gratitude to the Seoul Defence Dialogue organisers and conveyed optimism about potential collaborations stemming from the event’s discussions, all geared towards the overarching goal of peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, said Australia’s first response was to deepen its network of strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.
“Military buildups in the Indo-Pacific are a reality. But states can offset the risk of miscalculations through increased transparency and communication. Australia is striving to practice what we preach,” Mr Marles said.
“In the Defence Strategic Review, we have set out in plain detail Australia’s assessment of our security environment and how we need to respond. Together, we can help ensure the Indo-Pacific’s strategic outlook is positive. This will require us to build diplomatic and strategic muscles.
“It will require changes in the way we’ve all thought about and structured our defences. And it will require reconvening the idea of an international rules-based order. But the task before us is the renovation of that order, not its dismantlement. And I commit to working with you all on this profoundly important task.”
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