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Defence Ministers from Australia, New Zealand, PNG and across the Pacific have held a special South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting (SPDMM) in order to reflect on lessons learnt throughout COVID-19.
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Also in attendance were representatives from Chile, with the French Defence Minister providing a video message of support. A key forum for Pacific defence ministers to discuss shared security challenges and enhance co-ordination on regional defence issues, Australia pushed in 2019 to make the SPDMM an annual event.
Australia was due to host the 5th SPDMM in 2020, but these plans were put on hold by the coronavirus outbreak.
Regardless, Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said she was pleased to connect with her regional counterparts, and said that all ministers present agreed to hold a face-to-face SPDMM as soon as travel restrictions enabled.
“The virtual meeting provided an opportunity to discuss regional responses to COVID-19 and to reflect on the impacts the pandemic is having on security in the region,” Minister Reynolds said.
“We have been closely engaged with Pacific partners throughout the COVID-19 response and remain committed to continuing this engagement during the recovery.
“Maintaining interoperability and cooperation between regional defence forces supports stability in the region and helps to build strong and enduring partnerships.
“Together we are stronger at defending and addressing our mutual security challenges, and will always support each other in times of crisis.
“This was clearly demonstrated when our neighbours came to our assistance during the Australian bushfires earlier this year, and we were proud to assist the region following the devastation of Tropical Cyclones Harold and Tino."
Her comments were reinforced by Assistant Defence Minister Alex Hawke, who said that co-operation with Pacific partners would form a key part of Australia's ability to bounce back from the crisis.
“Throughout the Pacific our respective defence forces have learnt many lessons during the pandemic and it’s critical that we are able to share those lessons with one another,” he said.
“It’s just as important that our defence forces continue to collaborate as we work to protect our communities from COVID-19."
