Australia backs Pacific peace vision

Australia is lending strong backing to Fiji's vision of the Pacific as an 'Ocean of Peace,' a move that comes amid increasing geopolitical uncertainty in the region. Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong affirmed that Australia fully supports this initiative through its bilateral framework, aiming to safeguard peace, security, and stability across the Pacific.

Wong emphasized the need for Pacific Island countries to collaborate as the region navigates increasingly contested and uncertain times. She noted that the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders adopted the vision, and Australia has chosen to work within this framework to strengthen the alliance between Australia and Fiji. Wong described such alliances as the "greatest act of trust between two countries."

The Australia-Fiji alliance, according to Wong, is founded on trust, mutual respect, and a shared understanding of each country's importance to the other. Meanwhile, PIF Secretary-General Baron Waqa reiterated the commitment of Pacific leaders to maintaining peace and bolstering regionalism throughout the Pacific.

Australia intends to discuss the 'Ocean of Peace' vision further with PIF leaders, outlining its specific commitments to the initiative. This diplomatic engagement underscores Australia's dedication to regional stability and cooperation in the face of evolving global dynamics.

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PIF leaders, Pacific Island Forum leaders, then adopted it, and we have chosen to work within that framework for the alliance between Australia and Fiji. I describe this alliance; you know, alliances are the greatest act of trust between two countries. They are the greatest act of trust.