The South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting (SPDMM) is being held in Auckland this week bringing together Defence Ministers, Chiefs of Defence and Secretaries of Defence from New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, France (New Caledonia), Tonga, Chile and Papua New Guinea.
Defence Minister Judith Collins says, “Partnership and looking to the future are key themes.”
“Collaboration through SPDMM continues to be an important component of New Zealand’s defence relationships with our closest neighbours”, Ms Collins says.
“In a region this size it is vital we work together to produce regional solutions to regional problems.
SPDMM is in its 11th year and Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa will attend as a guest for the first time.
“Discussions this year will include security challenges, climate-induced disaster response, trans-national crime and the role of emerging technology in maritime security,” Ms Collins says.
“Innovation and emerging technology play an important role contributing to maritime domain awareness and peace keeping efforts.
SPDMM concludes on 3 October.
