Fiji continues to benefit from cooperation with Australia and the Pacific

This was highlighted by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka at a joint public announcement on the “Pacific Policing Initiative” at the Pacific Island Forum Leaders Meeting in Tonga.

Forum Leaders approved the Pacific Policing Initiative this morning in Plenary.

“Bringing this initiative to the region will be a godsend,” said Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.

“Our region faces ongoing challenges from transnational crime and it is our responsibility to develop the Pacific Policing Initiative.”

The Pacific Policing Initiative will see establishment of regional centers of excellence in Palau, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Fiji and will boost the capability of Pacific nations to meet law and order, internal security requirements, and support each other in times of need.

The initiative icludes the establishment of up to four police training “centers of excellence” and a multi-country police force on standby for deployment to any event or crisis in the Pacific, and a policing development and coordination hub in Australia..

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Pacific leaders are working together to shape the future we want to see – improving capability, cooperation and interoperability among Pacific police forces benefits all Pacific countries and the security of our communities.

“This is a Pacific-led, Australia-backed initiative, harnessing our collective strengths. We are stronger together.”