10 Aug 2018

Pacific foreign ministers discuss collective security and diplomacy

11:26 am on 10 August 2018

Enhanced regional security is the major issue in front of Pacific foreign ministers at a meeting in Samoa today.

Secretary General of the Forum Secretariat Dame Meg Taylor

Secretary General of the Forum Secretariat Dame Meg Taylor Photo: RNZI Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia

Just weeks out from the Pacific Islands Forum summit in Nauru the ministers will consider a draft declaration that lays out a new approach to collective security.

The Forum secretary general, Dame Meg Taylor, said the draft reflected the region's need for collective security arrangements during a period of rapid and dynamic change in the international arena.

She said it recognised the importance of an expanded concept of security, inclusive of human security, humanitarian assistance, environmental security, cyber security, and regional cooperation in building resilience to disasters and climate change.

The ministers will also look at a proposed advocacy strategy for the region which will aim to present what Dame Meg said could be called Blue Pacific Diplomacy.

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