Australia Set to Host 2027 Pacific Defence Forum
Australia will host the 12th South Pacific Defence Ministers' Meeting in 2027, following a recent gathering in Fiji.
Key points
- Australia will host the 12th South Pacific Defence Ministers' Meeting in 2027.
- The 11th meeting took place in Fiji from 22 to 24 September 2026.
- Seven member nations and three observer countries participated in the recent forum.
Australia will host the 12th South Pacific Defence Ministers' Meeting in 2027. This decision followed a recent meeting in Fiji where members endorsed the nomination.
The forum serves as the region's primary defence ministerial platform. It aims to strengthen cooperation among Pacific partners on shared security issues.
Fiji meeting sets 2027 agenda
Ministers from seven nations met in Fiji from 22 to 24 September 2026. The group included Australia, Chile, Fiji, France, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Tonga.
Japan, the UK, and the US participated as observers. Pacific Islands Forum representatives also attended to offer regional insight.
Focus on regional security challenges
Discussions centered on regional preparedness and countering transnational organised crime. Humanitarian assistance and disaster response were also key topics.
The meeting emphasized strengthening cooperation across the Pacific security architecture. According to The National Tribune, Australia welcomed the continued progress on these initiatives.
Officials express commitment to partnership
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles thanked Fiji for hosting the successful event. He expressed hope for welcoming partners to Australia next year.
Assistant Minister for Defence Peter Khalil highlighted the importance of Pacific-led cooperation. He noted the forum helps build resilience and deepen practical defence ties.
