PACIfiC SECurIty LEADErs SHArE COVID-19 LEssons
Security agencies from 24 Pacific Island nations and territories including New Zealand and Australia have met to discuss the region’s collective response to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The second Joint Heads of Pacific Security meeting this week focussed on border security, maritime security, and the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. Australia’s Chief of the Defence Force, General Angus Campbell, said the pandemic has impacted the region’s maritime and border security efforts.
General Campbell said the effects of COVID-19 were not made any easier by the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Harold in Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga. But he said the Australian Defence Force was proud to work with Fiji and Vanuatu in their humanitarian and disaster relief responses. Pacific officials welcomed the forwardlooking approach and expressed a need to deliver concrete policy measures to address the security issue in the region amid COVID-19. Officials also welcomed building resilience in the Pacific.
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece P Kershaw said the AFP remained closely engaged with Pacific policing and security partners during the pandemic. Kershaw said Police across the Pacific were part of Australia’s policing family. He said the region’s “strong and enduring partnership would ensure its national security interests are safeguarded today and well into the future”.
Australian Border Force Commissioner Michael Outram said “now more than ever, our ability to work collaboratively will be vital as we strive towards common goals such as regional security maintenance”. Commissioner Outram said the ABF was committed to delivering improved intelligence sharing between Pacific nations and as “we move into recovery from the pandemic, our borders remain critical national assets to protect and manage well.”
Japan and the United States joined the strategic-level meeting for the first time along with representatives from the Oceania Customs Organisation, Pacific Immigration Development Community, Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police, Forum Fisheries Agency and the Pacific Islands Forum. The event is part of the Australian Government’s Pacific Step-up initiative.