As Melanesian Spearhead Group chair Fiji is committed to finalising the long, outstanding issue of information sharing.
Acting Minister for Defence Joketani Cokanasiga said information sharing between intelligence organisations, travel agents, airlines, international ports of entry, authorities and other relevant bodies has been a long outstanding issue since 2006.
He made the comments while closing the National Workshop on MSG Information Sharing Framework yesterday.
“The security environment has changed dramatically as a direct result of the emergence of globalisation and trade liberalisation further compounded or exacerbated by the events of 9/11,” Mr Cokanasiga said.
“The result is the creation of this borderless world bringing with it new security concerns.”
Some of these concerns include:
· Transnational crime
· Money laundering
· Human and drug trafficking
· Arms Smuggling
· Counterfeiting
· Terrorism
The two days workshop, attended by various government corporate bodies, focused on identifying the existing information sharing and intelligence structures within various institutions, developing an information sharing network, finding ways to avoid undesirable persons within Fiji and the MSG.
A working group was set up during the meet, to oversee the preparation of a report on a Policy Framework for sharing of information.
The working group will meet this Thursday.
The outcome of that meeting will be discussed at the Senior Officials Meet to be held in either June or July.
Ends…