Fiji has adopted the principle of cooperation with partners in the Pacific and around the world, says Minister for Defence Inia Seruiratu.
While opening the 49th Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police meeting in Nadi today, he said one such example of regional and global cooperation was during the seizure of the Russian yacht Amadea.
“We have put the principle of cooperation into practice here in the Pacific and with our partners around the world,” Mr Seruiratu said.
“A contingent of Fijian police officers recently helped sail the Amadea, a yacht which was seized from a Russian oligarch from Lautoka Wharf to the United States of America.
“We have seized transnational drug shipments as far away as West Africa as we actively cooperate to combat human trafficking and other criminal scourges in our region.”
He added that more could be done for police officers across the region to address transnational criminal activities.
“I believe there is more that we can do as a region to prepare our police for the harsh realities of a warming world as worsening climate-driven disasters, droughts and other impacts stare at the socio-economic fabric of our societies.
“Our police need to be equipped and prepared to ensure our citizens’ collective safety.”
The 49th PICP meeting will be held over three days at the Hilton Resort and Spa on Denarau Island.
