SUVA, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Fiji's Minister for Home Affairs Pio Tikoduadua has proposed the establishment of an Oceanic Alliance for the Security of Island States.
While opening the Maritime Security Conference on Wednesday, Tikoduadua said this alliance would be a formal platform for Pacific Island states to collectively address the security challenges, from combating transnational organized crime to responding to climate change and preventing illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
The alliance will ensure that the Pacific's voices are not drowned out by the geopolitical competition, the minister added, reported Fiji Broadcasting Corporation.
Themed "Safeguarding the Blue Pacific," the two-day event aims to bring together the relevant agencies and explore opportunities to sustain and protect the maritime areas. ■
