𝐑𝐅𝐌𝐅 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬

Today, the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) had the distinct honour of hosting a delegation from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), led by Ms. Veerle Nouwens, Executive Director of IISS-Asia. The visiting delegation was received by the Chief of Staff of the RFMF, Brigadier General Sapenafa Motufaga, at Headquarters RFMF at Berkeley Crescent, Suva.

The visit marked a significant milestone as it is believed to be the first time IISS has visited Fiji, or at least the first in many years. The engagement reflects growing international interest in the Pacific and acknowledges Fiji’s evolving role in regional security and defence discourse.

During the meeting, Brigadier General Motufaga welcomed Ms. Nouwens and her colleagues and reaffirmed the RFMF’s commitment to strengthening professional military education and strategic partnerships with reputable international institutions such as IISS. Discussions centred on regional security challenges, capacity development, and avenues for collaboration in professional military education and training—areas of mutual interest aligned with the RFMF’s ongoing transformation agenda.

Ms. Nouwens was accompanied by Ms. Meia Nouwens, Senior Fellow and Head of the China Programme at IISS, and Mr. Erik Green, Research Associate with the same programme. Together, the IISS team is undertaking regional research on how small and medium-sized countries in the Asia-Pacific, including Fiji, build their national security and defence capacities, particularly through professional development initiatives.

The visit also coincides with preparations for the 22nd IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, a premier intergovernmental security forum for the Asia-Pacific. IISS extended an invitation for Fiji’s Minister for Defence & Veteran Affairs, Hon. Pio Tikoduadua, to participate in this year’s Dialogue. The RFMF leadership acknowledged the importance of such engagement, noting the value of Fiji’s voice in regional security discussions.

The RFMF’s reception of the IISS delegation highlights Fiji’s growing stature in international strategic dialogues and its continued commitment to fostering partnerships that enhance regional peace, stability, and resilience.