Having a Regional Security Strategy document is critical to the welfare of Melanesia and the Pacific region as a whole.
This was highlighted by the Ministry of Defence permanent secretary Manasa Lesuma today at the opening of the 3rdMelanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) – Regional Security Strategy Regional Security (RSS) meeting at Nadi’s Tanoa International Hotel.
The Regional Security Strategy Working Group provides a vital platform towards developing and advancing the MSG Security Strategy with steady progress achieved through the anticipated Regional Security strategy.
“Security is an important pillar of our MSG cooperation. The Agreement establishing the MSG recognizes the importance of aligning policies so as to further advance MSG members’ shared goals of economic growth, sustainable development, good governance, peace and security,” he said.
“A safe and secure society is what we aspire for, where we are joined by our common beliefs that binds us together to maintaining our solidarity and resilience as people of Melanesia that ensures the realisation of the needs and aspirations of all our peoples.”
With MSG leaders having already approved the development of a regional security strategy, Mr Lesuma says it was important that the regional strategy reflected on individual states policies.
“We need to have a strategy that is relevant to our peculiar security needs from law and order perspective, maritime security as well as natural disaster but what is of great importance is to have a strategy that is linked to our respective National Security strategies,” PS Lesuma added.
“The success of our collective efforts will be determined by the implementation strategy that ensures tangible solutions and benefits that will contribute to the welfare of our people.”
“The prevalent security challenges confronting the various Members varies from aspects of traditional and non-traditional security and it is therefore imperative that we contextualize this security framework to the sub region.”
“We, as Melanesians, can resolve and mitigate our own problems and this strategy will no doubt set the strategic direction for our members in terms of mapping the national security roadmap in our respective countries.”