Tonga has urged greater collaboration on aviation safety at a regional meeting in Fiji, emphasizing the need for action over discussion.
The 3rd Regional Aviation Ministers’ Meeting (RAMM3) took place last week in Suva, Fiji, hosted by the Fijian government and supported by the Pacific Aviation Safety Office (PASO).
Tonga’s delegation was led by Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Taniela Fusimalohi, alongside key aviation officials.
In his statement, the minister expressed gratitude to Fiji, PASO, and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat for hosting the first in-person Regional Aviation Ministers’ Meeting. He reaffirmed Tonga’s commitment to the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and the Pacific Regional Aviation Strategy (PRAS), both aimed at securing a resilient aviation sector.
“Tonga stresses the need for action not just discussion to address shared challenges and work towards a more robust partnership in the aviation sector,” the statement read.
Tonga highlighted PASO’s role in maintaining safety standards and called for regional expertise and stronger member-state representation. The challenges that Tonga faces in meeting updated International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards was also discussed.
Forum Secretary General Baron Divavesi Waqa highlighted the essential role aviation plays in the Pacific’s future that that aviation is not just a means of transportation but a “lifeline for our island economies.”
