The emerging associated contest requires us to stake our claim that the Pacific region is a “zone of peace” and it is in our collective interest to keep it that way for together, we are strong.
This was highlighted by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka while officiating at a Lowy Institute-organised event in Canberra.
Rabuka says the Pacific as a Zone of Peace creates the opportunity for our unique cultures and peoples to declare our homes, waters, food sources, livelihoods, development and aspirations free of coercion.
He says history may be calling for us in the Blue Pacific and it might be our manifest destiny to carry banners for peace and speak out for harmony.
Rabuka described his hopes for the Pacific as a zone of peace in the 21st century, a cause that requires collaborative efforts.
He says this concept of peace is the premise for our future and further says that our diverse Pacific communities maintain cohesion by employing in-depth Pacific worldviews, showing respect, and engaging in dialogue that enables empowerment and interactive environments, which are often absent from many formal settings.
Rabuka says what is clear is that we will continue to abide by the Rarotonga Treaty and the Pacific Island Forum declaration of a nuclear-free Pacific.
He adds the vast Pacific Ocean is our Continent and is part of our identity and source of livelihood.
Rabuka says its management is key to our wellbeing and sharing the common wealth of our region is the sure way that no one will be left behind.
The Prime Minister says that the way forward for us small island developing states to meet these existential threats is building partnerships through genuine dialogue, cooperation and collaboration through a combined Pacific voice.
