With our island homes surrounded by a vast expanse of ocean, no single state alone can preserve and maintain the safety and security of our region, which is why it will require collaboration and cooperation to foster security.
Minister for Policing, Ioane Naivalurua highlighted this at the Melanesian Spearhead Group meeting on the proposed Peace and Security Strategy at the Pacific Island Forum Secretariat this morning.
Naivalurua says it is vital that our organisation adopts and thrives to do better to respond to the security needs of our members.
He says the proposed strategy, will be finalised today to maintain peace and prosperity through collaborations, information sharing, and effective security response.
He says with over 500 square kilometres of land area and over 12 million people, diverse languages, customs and beliefs, our region is constantly exposed to existing and emerging challenges. Naivalurua says threats include transnational organised crimes, illegal smuggling, cyber threats, climate change, geopolitical competition and economic instability.
He adds we must be resilient and collaborate effectively in our aspirations for a peaceful Melanesia.
