UN General Assembly
2024

40. Our Oceans and its diverse and vibrant lands have been a theatre of the two World Wars, and a testing ground for the most dangerous weapons – the impacts of which are still felt today. 41. Yesterday, 25th September, there was a unilateral test firing of a ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean. 42. We urge respect for our region and call for cessation of such action. Under Principle 4 of the Ocean of Peace as was endorsed by the Pacific Leaders in Tonga last month, our statements reinforce the Pacific’s peaceful example to uphold international law and urge others to refrain from actions that undermine peace and security in the Blue Pacific. 43. Under Principle 12, the Ocean of Peace sets and champions rules of responsible, peaceful and deconflicting behaviour. 44. Fiji may be a small State, but through our leadership and stewardship roles in the region, we make a profound contribution to regionalism and multilateralism. 45. Fiji’s first-ever Foreign Policy White Paper, builds on the three interconnecting themes of Fiji’s foreign policy: sovereignty, security and prosperity.