New Zealand PM Ardern says Pacific Islands Forum is critical

7/7/2022 11:53

        New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Thursday regional architecture such as the Pacific Islands Forum was critical in resolving regional problems and local security issues should be resolved locally.
        
        Leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum countries gather in Fiji next week for an annual meeting at a time of growing concern in some countries about China's influence, highlighted this year by a security pact with the Solomon Islands.
        
        Ardern said in a speech to the Lowy Institute think tank in Australia, "New Zealand is committed to the Pacific Islands Forum as the vehicle for addressing regional challenges."
        
        "We have a strong commitment to supporting broader ambitions for our regions security," she said. "Importantly we see local security challenges being resolved locally, with Pacific Islands Forum Members' security being addressed first and foremost by the Forum family."
        
        China's growing sway in the Pacific and the potential for militarisation in the region's small island nations has fanned concern, particularly in Australia and New Zealand as well as their partner, the United States.