Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced New Zealand will engage with Australia and Fiji on the possibility of joining the Ocean of Peace Alliance.
Fiji and Australia this week announced a commitment to become military allies, and New Zealand welcomes this, said Prime Minister Luxon.
“New Zealand and Australia share a close bond, with a military alliance that continues to go from strength to strength, and we also have a strong and enduring relationship with Fiji,” said the PM.
“We already work with both countries on how we can develop a safer region for all, so engaging with them on this alliance is logical.”
The alliance is a mutual defence treaty that commits its parties to cooperate and consult, and to act to meet common danger. It provides for other Pacific States to join, with the agreement of Australia and Fiji.
Foreign Affairs Minister, Winston Peters says Pacific leaders have operated under an approach of having Pacific-led responses to regional security issues for decades – and this alliance underscores that stance.
“Elevating our long-standing relationship with Australia and Fiji – and other Pacific nations – to the next level through an alliance would mean we become even closer partners,” he said.
Defence Minister, Chris Penk says the opportunity for further cooperation in the Pacific comes as New Zealand and Australia mark 75 years of their alliance.
“New Zealand values the opportunity to grow Pacific unity and build stronger defence and security partnerships within our region. We are committed to the implementation of deeper defence and security cooperation with Fiji.”
The Government said New Zealand will now explore membership of the Alliance through discussions with Australia and Fiji. The final decision on joining the Alliance will be taken by Cabinet, followed by the usual Parliamentary treaty process.
