Military leaders bear the profound responsibility of protecting the sovereignty of a nation, says Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.

While opening the 25th US Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defense Conference in Natadola, Nadroga on Monday, he said sovereignty was the cornerstone of peace and security.

“The Indo-Pacific region has emerged as one of the most important geopolitical arenas in the world,” he said.

“We find ourselves at a critical juncture that may even be understating effect where principles and values that have independent international relations for generations are being tested right now.

“It is essential for us as custodians of peace and security, to rise to the occasion and reinforce the rules-based order that has safeguarded global stability and prosperity this far.

“Central to this endeavour is the concept of sovereignty, a fundamental right of nations to govern them without external interference.

Sovereignty is the cornerstone of peace and security allowing countries to determine their own destiny, uphold their values and pursue their national interests.

As military leaders you bear the profound responsibility of protecting the sovereignty of your nations. We bear that responsibility of protecting the sovereignty of our nations while respecting the sovereignty of others.”

He said the rule-based order was a nation’s shield against aggression and it was their duty to bolster and defend it vigorously.

Mr Rabuka said in the face of the multifaceted challenges we faced; from territorial ambitions, rise of non-state actors, and cyber threats, our strength was in our unity to resolve those issues together.