South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting held in Fiji

New Zealand Defence Minister Paul Goldsmith is traveling to Fiji to participate in the annual South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting (SPDMM). The forum serves as a ministerial dialogue focused on regional defense and security issues.

Key priorities for this year's meeting include advancing military collaboration and interoperability through increased joint training and exercises. Discussions are expected to cover a range of regional challenges, including illegal fishing, drug smuggling, natural disasters, and extreme weather events.

Minister Goldsmith will conduct bilateral meetings with counterparts from Australia, Chile, Fiji, France, Papua New Guinea, and Tonga. Officials from the United States, Japan, and the United Kingdom are attending the meeting as official observers.