Defense meeting in the South Pacific promotes cooperation

This week’s South Pacific Defense Ministers Meeting (SPDMM) concludes with a renewed commitment to regional security of all kinds, says Defense Minister Judith Collins.

Defense ministers and senior civilian and military officials from Australia, Chile, Fiji, France, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Tonga met in Auckland to discuss defense and security cooperation in the South Pacific.

“We all want to see regional security, and that means protecting our maritime domains, improving the effectiveness of our military forces and adapting to the impacts of climate change,” Collins said.

“The South Pacific is our home. We all benefit from working together and sharing knowledge to support a safe, stable and prosperous region.

“This year’s meeting further promoted the spirit of cooperation among trusted partners.

“Members shared their views on security challenges, as well as on the role of emerging technology in responding to these challenges, and on collective approaches to improve the effectiveness of armed forces in the region.”

“Members agreed on the importance of cooperation with civilian agencies in supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and in combating threats to maritime security such as illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing and transnational organized crime.

“These are issues that have a significant impact on many South Pacific countries, which, like New Zealand, have large exclusive economic zones.”

SPDMM member states discussed approaches to non-traditional security challenges, bringing together militaries from the South Pacific in response to regional security challenges, and their shared commitment to helping communities recover from cyclones, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, forest fires and floods.

“SPDMM is a unique dialogue and coordination platform that enables collective action and leadership among countries in the South Pacific. In a region of this size, it is vital that we work together on our shared challenges and with our shared values,” said Ms Collins.

“It was an absolute honor to host SPDMM 2024 in Auckland and I wish Chile all the best for SPDMM 2025.”

A full summary of the key outcomes of the 2024 South Pacific Defense Ministers Meeting can be found in the Joint Communiqué.