Posted on 08 December 2023
On Tuesday, the 10th South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting (SPDMM) kicked off in Nouméa, New Calendonia. The meeting brings together Australia, Chile, Fiji, France, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Tonga plus the US, UK and Japan as observers.
The forum is a unique coordination platform with focuses on climate change, maritime security and training of armed forces for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. France hosting this year's meeting aligns with their Indo-Pacific strategy, and re affirms the nation as a significant player in the region.