Fiji is calling for urgent regional action to tackle the growing threat of transnational crime and illicit drugs, warning that the Pacific is increasingly being used as both a transit route and a destination for narcotics.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Sakiasi Ditoka raised the concern while speaking during Fiji’s intervention at the Leaders’ Plenary of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Koror, Palau.
Ditoka says the changing security situation requires stronger regional cooperation to protect Pacific communities and maintain a peaceful, stable and resilient region.
He has supported making the Pacific Police Ministers Meeting a formal part of the Pacific Islands Forum structure, saying political-level guidance and oversight would strengthen the region’s collective response to security challenges.
Ditoka also highlighted the need to strengthen the Pacific’s economic resilience and workforce.
He says Fiji supports the establishment of a Pacific Labour Ministers Meeting, recognising the people of the Pacific as the region’s greatest resource.
Ditoka says the strength, resilience and productive capacity of the workforce directly affects economic security, the delivery of essential services, the resilience of communities and the wellbeing of Pacific people.
He says a dedicated Labour Ministers Meeting would ensure these issues receive appropriate political attention while complementing the work of Economic and Trade Ministers.
Meanwhile, Fiji has also endorsed the Kava Declaration, recognising kava’s cultural heritage and economic potential and has also called for greater support for the capitalisation of the Pacific Resilience Facility to strengthen Pacific-led resilience initiatives.
