New Zealand's Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, is describing the newly signed Boe Declaration as the most significant statement on regional security by Pacific leaders in a generation.
Photo: POOL / New Zealand Herald
"All Pacific leaders recognise the security issues we face in our region are ever-changing. The Pacific is also becoming increasingly complex and crowded," Jacinda Ardern said.
Ms Ardern arrives back in New Zealand today after a one-day trip to Nauru for the Pacific Islands Forum leaders' retreat.
She said the security declaration addresses new challenges for the region, including cybercrime and trans-national crime.
"The prosperity of New Zealand is intrinsically linked to the security of our region, which is why this declaration is so important," Ms Ardern said.
The declaration also places emphasis on climate change.
"That is a new addition to the Boe Declaration it hasn't been present in security declarations before. But there is recognition from the members of this forum that if you are talking about threats to security climate change presents one of the most significant," said Jacinda Ardern.
Pacific Islands Forum leaders gather for a group photo ahead of their retreat. Photo: Nauru Government