The establishment of a Pacific Response Group (PRG) was a key outcome of the ninth South Pacific Defence Ministers Meeting (SPDMM), held in Auckland and hosted by New Zealand.
The three-day meeting concluded on Thursday, with defence ministers from Chile, France, Fiji, Australia, Papua New Guinea, and Tonga in attendance. Japan, the UK, and the US participated as observers.
The SPDMM joint communiqué highlighted the group’s commitment to enhancing regional cooperation in responding to climate-induced disasters, improving maritime security, and addressing cyber threats. The PRG will serve as a regional asset, enabling more effective joint humanitarian responses to disasters across the Pacific.
New Zealand’s Defence Minister Judith Collins praised the group’s efforts, emphasizing the need for coordinated disaster responses in an increasingly disaster-prone region. “This group will ensure that we do things right, without duplication, when responding to cyclones, volcanoes, and other crises,” Collins said.
Australia’s Defence Minister Richard Marles added that a coordinating unit based in Brisbane will streamline the PRG’s efforts, providing efficient military collaboration across the region.
Pacific Islands Forum Secretary-General Baron Waqa emphasized the importance of prioritizing peace and stability, especially in light of growing geopolitical tensions in the region.
Source: RNZ
