TRANSNATIONAL organised crime and non-traditional security threats are dominating discussions at the three-day South Pacific Defence Ministers meeting in Nadi.
Defence representatives are focusing on practical measures to plug security gaps and disrupt illegal networks operating within the maritime boundaries of Pacific island nations.
Minister for Defence and Veterans Affairs Pio Tikoduadua said combating non-traditional security threats remained central to the summit’s overall agenda.
Mr Tikoduadua emphasised the primary target of the delegates is to establish concrete outcomes that maintain momentum in inter-governmental communication and joint enforcement operations.
“We all understand transnational organised crime, all the non-traditional crimes that are particularly affecting Fiji today, this is at the centre of this conversation,” he said.
“The outcomes of our meeting, really, is to enhance that and see how to keep the conversation going.”
Rather than viewing these threats in isolation, the conference is looking at ways regional defence forces can directly support civilian law enforcement agencies.
By pooling intelligence and operational logistics, member nations aim to create a seamless border control net across the Pacific archipelago.
Mr Tikoduadua reinforced that the ultimate success of the summit relies on continuous coordination among member states.
“Fiji is in a great position to be able to help not only itself, but others as well, because of the infrastructure that we have could assist in this area.”
