New Era of Biological Threats, Defence Minister Warns
The world has entered a new era of biological threats because of extraordinary changes brought about by globalisation, growing agricultural demands, the diffusion of advanced biotechnologies, and insufficient reports of outbreaks.
This was a statement made by the Permanent Secretary for Defence and National Security, Osea Cawaru, during the Regional Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) workshop at the Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi on Wednesday. Mr Cawaru hoped the one-and-a-half-day forum would allow participants to co-operate and discuss the threats posed by biological weapons.
“I hope the BWC Universalisation workshop will provide the distinguished participants with more insights into the convention which plays a fundamental role in collective security and serves as an internationally recognised forum for co-operation against the threats posed by biological weapons,” he said.
“We have seen how effective it is to support each other in our concerted effort for regional security.
“We can be resilient in our shared values, beliefs and collective efforts can contribute to the overall objective of a secure region by realising the unprecedented threats confronting our region.”
He believes Pacific Islanders and people from around the world, could all work together to make the world a safer place.