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Top-level topics discussed at Defence Ministers meeting

May 9, 2019 4:29 pm

Minister for Defence Inia Seruiratu and New Zealand Minister for Defence Mark Ron [Source: Fijian Government]

Defence and security capabilities, geopolitical space, transnational crimes and climate change will be major topics of discussions at the South Pacific Defence Ministers meeting currently underway in Nadi.

Speaking during the official opening this morning in Denarau, Minister for Defence Inia Seruiratu says the meeting will also provide a platform for smaller island states to discuss common security challenges and identify ways to improve regional security cooperation.

Seruiratu also called on Defence Ministers and Chiefs of Defence Forces to continue maintaining security, sovereignty and territorial integrity for the region.

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“We can achieve this through collaboration and defence capabilities modernizations and collective situational analysis and sharing of pertinent, timely and quality information on defence security issues of the past, present and future in such forums like this.”

Bilateral meetings will also take place as part of the three-day program.