BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The 54th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders have reaffirmed their support and commitment for the security and stability of the Pacific region.

The endorsement of the Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration at the 54th PIF meeting which concluded on Friday in Honiara, was a testament to the collective commitment of Pacific leaders towards regional peace.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, September 12, 2025, Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, who also the chair of PIF, Jeremiah Manele highlighted the signing of the Ocean of Peace Declaration, as one of the achievements during the PIF meeting.  

“In our efforts to reiterate the implementation of peace in our region, we endorsed the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration,” he said.

Manele said as highlighted by Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, the Ocean of Peace Declaration is a signal that Pacific Islands are seeking a region in which strategic competition is managed.

“Also, a region where stability is the top stone of regional relationships, and where cohesion is assured,” he said.

Manele expressed that the declaration promotes peace-building as an integral element of Pacific regionalism and recognises that sustainable development is essential for addressing the root causes of conflict, fostering lasting harmony, and empowering communities with pride.

Speaking at the endorsement of Ocean of Peace Declaration, Fiji Prime Minister Rabuka, said the region is changing very fast as it faces existential security threats whether it be climate crisis, epidemics, terrorism, transnational organized crime or challenges such as labour mobility, economic fragility, retreat of democracy with competing geo-political interests superimposed over these.

“Today, security, as noted by the Boe Declaration, is a mix bundle – military, transnational organised crime, human security, economic, health, land, housing, drugs, law and order, and the climate crisis.

“With our individual relative isolation and smallness, these challenges are insurmountable. Our hope (repeat) is in the collective,” he said.

Rabuka voiced that nothing must come between the region.

“Nothing must come between us, not even economic interests or the rising seas. A combined Pacific voice rings loud and echoes afar. Our unity is our dignity and strength,” he said.

Photo: PIF

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