An Ocean of Peace must reflect the Pacific way, showcasing the Pacific value and identity of humility and reconciliation, and communication.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka made the statement while opening the Pacific Regional National Security Conference (PRNSC) at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat on Monday.
Mr Rabuka said Fiji welcomed the proposal that the Pacific was an Ocean of Peace and agreed to adopt several high-level principles, to guide efforts towards developing the Ocean of Peace concept.
He said the Pacific has become a geostrategic arena in the last decade or so and Fiji had been advocating for the Blue Pacific to be declared an Ocean of Peace.
Mr Rabuka further stated that the ‘Ocean of Peace’ would be the Blue Pacific’s contribution to world order and Pacific people, the emblem of peace.
“The concept recognises that whilst core values and a Pacific identify are shared across the region, local customs and understandings vary.
“So, whoever enters the Pacific region will be compelled to tone down and tune in to the ways of the Pacific.”
He said Fiji would be presenting the Ocean of Peace concept during the 2024 Forum Leaders meeting in August in Tonga.
“As we refine our proposal, I welcome the conference’s ideas for how we can ensure the Blue Pacific is truly an Ocean of Peace.”
