Fiji and New Zealand have reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace and security by signing a renewed Duavata Partnership covering the period 2026 to 2030.
The agreement was signed in Auckland yesterday by New Zealand Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters and Fiji’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Sakiasi Ditoka.
Under Priority Area Three: Peace and Security, both countries pledged to strengthen bilateral and regional security cooperation in line with the Boe Declaration on Regional Security, the Ocean of Peace Declaration, and their respective national security strategies.
The partnership commits both nations to enhancing their ability to protect their sovereign territory, maritime boundaries and Exclusive Economic Zones while addressing transnational crime and other cross-border security threats.
“We remain determined to deepen both our bilateral security relationship as well as other regional security relationships and arrangements.”
The agreement also places a strong emphasis on improving cooperation in community policing, immigration, customs, border security, cybersecurity and intelligence sharing through increased training, exchanges and operational cooperation.
“Expand our practical bilateral and regional cooperation in community policing, immigration, customs, border security, cyber security, and intelligence through deepening interoperability, and by continuing knowledge sharing, exchanges and training.”
Defence cooperation will also be strengthened through continued joint training, combined exercises, maritime security initiatives, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
The partnership also commits both governments to strengthening the institutional capacity of Fiji’s defence and law enforcement agencies while encouraging greater dialogue on emerging security challenges.
“Facilitate open dialogue and information exchange on shared security challenges, ensuring that security cooperation efforts contribute positively towards regional peace, stability, prosperity and resilience.”
The agreement also reaffirms Fiji and New Zealand’s commitment to working together on regional and multilateral initiatives that advance the Pacific’s vision of an Ocean of Peace.
“Cooperate on regional and multilateral initiatives to advance the Pacific as an Ocean of Peace.”
