FIJI has called for deeper regional integration and stronger defence cooperation as Pacific leaders confront an increasingly complex mix of traditional, non-traditional and hybrid security threats.
Opening the 2026 South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Nadi, Defence Minister Pio Tikoduadua welcomed delegates to Fiji and noted that it was the first SPDM meeting for most delegation leaders.
The meeting is being held under the theme “Securing the Blue Pacific: Collective Responsibility, Resilient Futures”.
Tikoduadua said the theme was “particularly relevant as we navigate an increasingly complex and evolving security environment, where emerging and interconnected threats continue to challenge the stability and resilience of our region”.
He described SPDMM as “a trusted and effective forum” that continued to foster meaningful cooperation and deliver practical outcomes for shared defence and security objectives across the South Pacific.
He also commended member states and observers for initiatives undertaken since the previous meeting in Chile, saying they had strengthened regionalism, cooperation and collective capacity.
Tikoduadua said Fiji was strengthening its security policies through a whole-of-nation approach. “In implementing our national security strategy, we continue to reform and modernise our security sector to ensure it remains capable, responsive and prepared to address both current and emerging threats,” he said.
Fiji’s Maritime Security Strategy, he said, provides a unified whole-of-government framework for protecting the country’s maritime domain over the next decade.
Tikoduadua said it would help Fiji “uphold national sovereignty, protect our natural resources and cultural heritage, and strengthen long-term national resilience”.
He also pointed to a recently completed brigade-level field training exercise aimed at improving coordination, interoperability and preparedness across government agencies.
Tikoduadua said defence capabilities must integrate with national response agencies and be supported by appropriate legal and policy frameworks.
“Interoperability with our Pacific neighbours remains essential for enabling effective collective responses to crises and security challenges across our region,” he said.
Fiji, he added, looked forward to using SPDMM to strengthen collaboration with complementary regional mechanisms and partnerships in support of “a secure, resilient and prosperous Blue Pacific”.
