Pacific unity vital as security concerns grow, says Ditoka

Fiji is seeking to strengthen an “arc of cooperation” with its Pacific partners as global tensions and emerging security threats reshape the region, Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Sakiasi Ditoka says.

Speaking after returning from New Zealand, where he met New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters to renew the Duavata Partnership, Mr Ditoka said Fiji was committed to deepening regional cooperation on security, trade and people-to-people ties.

He said discussions also included New Zealand’s interest in the Ocean of Peace Alliance, an initiative established by Fiji and Australia to strengthen regional security cooperation.

“That’s part of the discussion that we are willing to have with them,” Mr Ditoka said.

He said it was critical for Pacific neighbours to maintain open dialogue as international uncertainty continued to grow.

“I think it’s important that members of the same area that we live in have these discussions, especially with all the issues that we see around the world,” he said.

“It’s good to have this arc of cooperation between friends. I think it’s important that we have that.”

Mr Ditoka said New Zealand had also expressed interest in Fiji’s Vuvale Union with Australia, although discussions remained at an early stage.

“That’s further down the road. That’s a discussion that we can probably have when things get a bit more serious,” he said.

The renewed engagement with New Zealand comes as Fiji continues to expand regional partnerships through initiatives such as the Ocean of Peace Alliance, aimed at helping Pacific nations respond collectively to evolving regional and global security challenges.