Media Release
Pacific Security Leaders Gather to Advance Regional Cooperation
This is a joint media release between the Australian Defence Force, the AFP and Australian Border Force
Pacific heads of military, law enforcement, customs and immigration convened in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, this week for the seventh Joint Heads of Pacific Security (JHoPS) meeting from 18 to 20 March, 2025.
Established in 2019, JHoPS encompasses 24 Pacific island jurisdictions, two observer countries (the United States and Japan) and seven regional observer organisations.
The annual meeting provided a unique opportunity for regional security leaders to connect and drive Pacific-led responses to regional security challenges.
This year’s theme was ‘align and collaborate to advance our collective security’. Leaders considered new ways to enable collective action and operational cooperation, underpinned by improved interoperability between nations.
At this year’s meeting, members were asked to consider drafting instructions for a Regional Operations Deployment Framework, share expertise on maritime law enforcement responses, and undertake practical tabletop exercises focused on enhancing interagency and regional collaboration.
Australia is committed to working alongside our Pacific partners on regional initiatives to enhance means of effective cooperation.
Quotes attributable to Commander 1st (Australian) Division, Major General Ash Collingburn AM DSM, representing Chief of the Defence Force, Admiral David Johnston AC RAN
“I thank our friends and hosts, Papua New Guinea, for their leadership of the forum this year, which provides a key opportunity to advance practical, Pacific-led security cooperation.
“It is in our shared interest to work together with increasing efficiency, and develop more rapid and capable frameworks in support of a secure and resilient region.”
Quotes attributable to Australian Federal Police Commissioner, Reece Kershaw
“The region faces a range of multidimensional security challenges, both traditional and non-traditional, which require collaborative solutions based on common understanding.
“The AFP will continue to invest in initiatives such as the Pacific Police Support Group, which will bring a multinational police response capability to the region and deploy for a range of activities, from planned events to natural disaster responses.
“The AFP is committed to partnering with Pacific law enforcement partners through mutual resource sharing initiatives and training.”
Quotes attributable to Australian Border Force Commissioner, Gavan Reynolds
“JHoPS allows for the heads of security agencies to consider how their critical functions keep communities safe.
“This type of information exchange between Pacific partners sets us up well to respond to emerging security challenges. I look forward to discussions on how we can further strengthen our collective ability to meet our security needs.”
