- Hon Paul Goldsmith
Defence Minister Paul Goldsmith will travel to Fiji this week to attend the South Pacific Defence Ministers' Meeting (SPDMM), an annual ministerial dialogue focused on defence and security issues affecting the South Pacific region.
"As security challenges in our region intensify, this meeting is an important forum encouraging dialogue and building consensus and cooperation amongst Pacific defence partners," Mr Goldsmith says.
"A priority for members this year is advancing military collaboration and interoperability. As the challenges we face become more complex and uncertain, we need more joint training and exercises so our defence forces are ready to work together to support Pacific communities when they need it most.
"I look forward to discussing the most pressing issues impacting our region, from extreme weather events to natural disasters, illegal fishing, and drug smuggling."
While in Fiji, Minister Goldsmith will hold bilateral meetings with SPDMM counterparts from Australia, Chile, Fiji, France, Papua New Guinea and Tonga.
Officials from the United States, Japan and United Kingdom will attend the meeting as official observers.
Minister Goldsmith will return to New Zealand on 24 September.
