PM Rabuka backs Pacific security

Fiji is positioning itself as a regional security partner while pushing for stronger Pacific-led policing cooperation amid evolving cross-border crime challenges.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka made the remarks at the Pacific Transnational Crime Summit 2026 at the Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay last night.

He said the challenges of transnational crime were complex, evolving and without regard for borders, but Fiji’s strength lay in unity, cooperation and the resolve to act together.

Mr Rabuka said Fiji was proud to stand alongside its Pacific neighbours and partners in the collective effort.

“We reaffirm our commitment to strengthening regional cooperation, supporting practical Pacific-led solutions, and advancing a safer and more secure Pacific for all,” he said.

Mr Rabuka commended the Fiji Police Force and the Australian Federal Police for their leadership in convening the inaugural summit.

“I thank all participants for your dedication, your expertise and your shared purpose. Let this be the beginning of sustained and meaningful action,” he said.

“Together, connected by our ocean and united in purpose, we can safeguard our people and secure our shared future, ensuring that our region continues to remain a true Ocean of Peace for generations to come.”

Fiji is one of the 22 members of the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police organisation, established in Suva in 1970, reflecting the country’s long-standing commitment to regional policing cooperation.

“We are equally proud of the Pacific Transnational Crime Network, established in 2002, which today remains one of the Pacific’s most important operational security mechanisms,” Mr Rabuka said.

The Pacific Transnational Crime Coordination Centre in Samoa and the 29 Transnational Crime Units operating across 21 Pacific countries, including Fiji’s four units in Suva, Nadi, Rakiraki and Savusavu, continue to strengthen intelligence-sharing, operational coordination and collective enforcement capability across the region.

“This summit also supports the implementation of the Pacific Policing Initiative and builds upon the strength of bilateral and regional partnerships,” he said.

“These mechanisms represent Pacific regionalism in action — practical, cooperative, Pacific-specific and Pacific-led.”

Mr Rabuka said the Vuvale Partnership between Fiji and Australia continued to enable the Fiji Police Force to extend support across the Pacific through training, technical cooperation, operational coordination and police-to-police partnerships.

“This demonstrates what trusted and enduring partnerships can achieve when grounded in mutual respect and shared regional responsibility.

“Our response to transnational crime must now evolve with the changing threat landscape.”

The summit brought together Pacific leaders, police ministers, commissioners of police, regional institutions, development partners and international agencies.

The summit ends on Thursday.