Sakiasi R Ditoka MP

Honoured to meet and congratulate the Prime Minister of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, Hon. James Marape, at APEC Haus in Port Moresby yesterday evening following the successful conclusion of the Melanesian Ocean Summit.

On behalf of the Hon. Prime Minister of Fiji, the Government and people of Fiji, I conveyed our sincere appreciation to Prime Minister Marape and the Government and people of PNG for the warm hospitality and for hosting such a superbly organised and important gathering for Melanesia and the wider Pacific.

The Summit reflected the growing importance of Melanesian leadership in shaping the future of our Blue Pacific — particularly in ocean governance, sustainable development, resource management, climate resilience and the protection of our shared maritime heritage.

There is no question that the conversations and partnerships strengthened during this Summit will create important opportunities for our peoples and future generations.

Vinaka vakalevu PNG, and congratulations once again to Prime Minister Marape and your team on a job very well done.

On Tuesday 20th April, I met with the Honorable Pat Conroy, Australia’s Minister for the Pacific Island Affairs and Defence Industries, for a focused and constructive discussion on the evolving security landscape in our region.

We spoke candidly about emerging pressures, including fuel scarcity and the very real implications these disruptions pose for national and regional stability. I emphasised the importance of practical, forward-looking contingency arrangements under the Vuvale Partnership — not just in supply assurance, but in strengthening resilience through storage capacity and coordinated response mechanisms.

Our dialogue also extended to the broader strategic vision of the Ocean of Peace — a Pacific anchored in stability, cooperation, and respect for sovereignty. This requires not only shared principles, but deliberate action and trusted partnerships.

Australia remains a key Vuvale partner, and engagements like this ensure we are aligned, prepared, and acting in the best interests of our people and the wider Pacific family.

Vinaka vakalevu.