BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The ratification of the Ocean of Peace Declaration during the 54th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders’ Meeting in Honiara is timely, says Gustav Aitaro, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Palau.
He made the remarks during the PIF side event, “Building an ‘Ocean of Peace’ through strengthened regional integration”.
“We are blessed that we have peace. Signing this declaration now is very important and timely. It raises the profile of our concerns about our ocean and helps us achieve lasting peace,” Minister Aitaro said.
He noted that regional geopolitics will continue to pose threats, making the declaration a symbol of unity.
“PIF Leaders have discussed this convention from day one. It is our responsibility to provide peace and security for our communities, who will inherit the sovereignty of the Pacific,” he said.
Minister Aitaro stressed that the declaration also ensures that the Pacific can manage its ocean space, rather than leaving it to outside powers.
He also highlighted that this cannot be done alon.
“We cannot do this alone. We must work through partnerships within the region and with external partners. Cooperation and collaboration are key. Sometimes a presence is needed to deter a threat, but prevention is always better than reaction,” he said.
He concluded by emphasizing the need for Pacific countries to stick together to maintain peace across the region’s oceans.
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