In a first for Fiji, security experts, academics and regional delegates will be part of the Fiji Dialogue today, a forum aimed at discussing pertinent security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
The event will be hosted by the Australia India Institute in partnership with the University of the South Pacific.
Australia India Institute CEO Lisa Singh said the meet materialised after a year of planning and would focus on ways to strengthen the cooperation of Australia and India in both the Pacific and Indian oceans.
“It’s finding concrete ways that both Australia and India can work together to support island states in building resilience,” Ms Singh said.
“It’s really about actionable recommendations for strengthening regional cooperation. I’m sure it will be a lively discussion.”
Discussions at the event will centre around climate change, maritime safety, illegal fishing, disinformation, infrastructure management and regional governance.
USP vice-chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia said the Fiji Dialogue represented a crucial opportunity to address the unique challenges faced by Indo-Pacific Island States and advance the goals outlined in the 2050 Blue Pacific Strategy.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Pio Tikoduadua said the South Pacific was becoming prominent in the geopolitical competition.
“We have our friends that we work with; partnership is the solution for us in every way,” he said.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles and Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who both reiterated their respective country’s commitment to fostering peace and resilience in a free and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
