Ministry of Defence & Veterans Affairs, Fiji

23/06/2026

This morning, staff of the Ministry participated in Fire Warden Training facilitated by the National Fire Authority. The training provided practical guidance on fire prevention, emergency response procedures, evacuation protocols, and the roles and responsibilities of designated Fire Wardens during an emergency.

Participants were introduced to key fire safety measures, including the identification of workplace fire hazards, the proper use of firefighting equipment, emergency communication procedures, and the importance of ensuring the safe and orderly evacuation of staff and visitors.

Regular training of this nature strengthens our preparedness, enhances workplace safety, and helps ensure that we can respond effectively should an emergency occur.

We thank the National Fire Authority for sharing their expertise and helping build a safer and more resilient workplace for all.

16/06/2026

The Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Pio Tikoduadua, participated in the Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue, joining fellow Ministers from Solomon Islands, Niue and Palau in a regional discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing the Blue Pacific.

The panel brought together Pacific leaders to reflect on the region’s shared peace and security priorities, including climate change, transnational crime, maritime security, cyber threats, disaster resilience and the growing pressures of geopolitics.

Minister Tikoduadua said Fiji’s approach to security remains people-centred, grounded in the rule of law, and guided by the need for stronger regional cooperation.

“We must protect peace, strengthen security, and build a more resilient Pacific for our people,” Minister Tikoduadua said.

He acknowledged his fellow panellists, the Hon. Peter Kenilorea Jr, Minister for National Planning and Development Coordination of Solomon Islands; the Hon. Richie Mautama, Minister for Home Affairs, Police, Corrections and National Disaster Management of Niue; and the Hon. Jennifer S. Olegeriil, Minister for Justice of Palau.

Minister Tikoduadua said the Pacific’s strength lies in its people, values, traditions, faith, and shared commitment to peace.

“The challenges before us are serious, but the Pacific is not without strength. Our strength is in our communities, our ocean, our values, and our ability to work together,” he said.

The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs remains committed to supporting Fiji’s national security priorities while working closely with regional partners to promote peace, stability and resilience across the Blue Pacific.

16/06/2026

03/06/2026

The Minister for Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel, Hon. Gideon Sa’ar, paid a solemn visit to the National War Memorial in Suva, where he laid a wreath in honour of Fiji’s servicemen and women who have served and sacrificed for the Republic of Fiji.

The ceremony was attended by the Permanent Secretary for Defence and Veterans Affairs, Mr. Mason Smith; The Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Major General Jone Logavatu Kalouniwai; Fiji’s Ambassador to Israel, His Excellency Jesoni Vitusagavulu; RFMF Veterans; and Senior Military Officers.

The visit formed part of Hon. Sa’ar’s official visit to Fiji and reflects the strengthening diplomatic relations between Fiji and Israel, grounded in mutual respect, cooperation, and shared commitment to advancing the interests and wellbeing of both nations.

28/05/2026

27/05/2026

The Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs today welcomed stakeholders from across Government and partner agencies to the High Level Validation Workshop for Fiji’s Maritime Security Strategy at the Tanoa Plaza Hotel in Suva.

Opening the workshop, Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Pio Tikoduadua, highlighted the importance of strengthening Fiji’s maritime security framework in response to evolving regional and global challenges. He noted that Fiji’s ocean remains central to the country’s security, economy, trade, transportation, food security and regional connectivity.

The workshop brought together key stakeholders to validate Fiji’s shared priorities for maritime security and to strengthen inter agency coordination, information sharing and national preparedness. Discussions focused on addressing challenges such as illegal fishing, transnational organised crime, illicit trafficking and border security threats, while also improving maritime domain awareness and operational cooperation.

The Ministry also acknowledged the support of the United Nations Development Programme - UNDP in advancing this important national initiative.

The Maritime Security Strategy will provide a whole of government and whole of society framework to safeguard Fiji’s maritime interests and strengthen partnerships across the region and internationally.

26/05/2026

The Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs and the Pacific Fusion Centre today formalised a new partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on the secondment of analysts under the Pacific Analyst Program.

The partnership will support the development of analytical capability, professional training, and knowledge exchange, while strengthening regional cooperation on shared security challenges across the Pacific.

The agreement reflects the Ministry’s continued commitment to investing in people, partnerships, and regional approaches to security and resilience.

20/05/2026

The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs today welcomed its newest staff members during an induction and onboarding session held this morning.

The programme introduced the new officers to the Ministry’s structure, functions, workplace expectations, and the important role they will play in supporting Fiji’s national security and defence priorities.

We welcome them to the Ministry and look forward to their contribution and service to the people of Fiji.

20/05/2026

19/05/2026

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