PRESS RELEASE1: PACIFIC APPLAUDED FOR VISIONARY ACTIONS IN THE AVIATION FIELD AT THIRD REGIONAL AVIATION MINISTERS MEETING (RAMM3)

SUVA, 20 MARCH 2025 – The Pacific region was recognised for its visionary strategies and actions by the International Civil Aviation Organisation Regional Director of Asia and Pacific, Mr Tao Ma at the Third Regional Aviation Ministers (RAMM3) meeting today.

While opening the meeting, he said “It is encouraging to note that considerable effort in the civil aviation field has been initiated from within the region through important high-level forums such as this event, and through the launching of visionary strategies such as the Pacific Regional Aviation Strategy.”

“We are greatly encouraged by the Aviation Strategy, and particularly by the well-defined outcome statements documented under the strategic goal of Regional Connectivity and its two priority streams of Aviation Safety and Security and Harmonized Regulatory Systems, that will help to drive improvement in Pacific regional aviation safety and security performance towards parity with the rest of the world.”

Despite the challenges in infrastructure, limited financial and human resources, remoteness and costly airfares to and from the Pacific, the region strives to create an environment that is safe, secure and has a sustainable aviation system.

To date, the region has endorsed the Pacific Islands Civil Aviation Safety and Security Treaty, Regional Pacific Aviation Strategy, the Framework for Aviation in the Pacific the Port Moresby Declaration and at today’s meeting, the Ministers for Aviation endorsed the Pacific Regional Engagement Framework and the Pacific Regional Aviation Action Plan.

As host of the Third Regional Aviation Ministers Meeting (RAMM3), Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Mr. Viliame Gavoka reminded delegates that  “Aviation is the backbone of connectivity in our region—linking our people, businesses, and communities. It is the bridge that connects our islands to the global economy, facilitates trade and tourism, and ensures vital services reach even our most remote communities.”

He said “As we navigate the evolving challenges and opportunities in the aviation sector, RAMM3 serves as a crucial platform for collaboration, innovation, and collective decision-making. Our discussions over the next two days will shape the future of aviation in the Pacific and strengthen our regional partnerships.

In his opening remarks, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Secretary General, Baron Waqa said “In 2022, Pacific Forum leaders endorsed and launched the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent which sets the foundations for us to rethink and reconsider how we can work together better as one region to advance our collective efforts.”

“I am heartened by the fact that the Pacific Regional Aviation Strategy aligns with and informs your sectoral contributions to our regionalism vision. But as we all recognise, strategies and policies are just ideas and unless we drive and institutionalise its implementation, these remain as they are – just ideas,” he added.

He emphasized the need to “actively engage on enhancing regional collaboration in the aviation sector to improve affordability and access, particularly for our Smaller Island States. Aviation plays a crucial enabling role as a driver for many of our economies and regional priorities, and it is in a forum such as this, that you can truly shape the future of this sector.”

The Third Regional Aviation Ministers Meeting (RAMM3) brought together several Ministers for Aviation from the Pacific, a range of stakeholders from regional and international organisations as well as the private sector to discuss issues of relevance for the development of the aviation and transport industry. The first face-to-face high level regional meeting in aviation concludes tomorrow.

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PRESS RELEASE2: PACIFIC AVIATION MINISTERS ENDORSE SUVA DECLARATION

SUVA, 21 MARCH 2025 – Aviation Ministers unanimously endorsed the Suva Declaration for Regional Collaboration and Connectivity at the closing of the Third Regional Aviation Ministers (RAMM3) meeting.

As chair and host of the first in-person aviation meeting, Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Mr Viliame Gavoka said “This is a follow on from the Port Moresby Declaration on Aviation Safety and Security Oversight, and the commitment we made in 2021.”

Adding to the already robust commitments for aviation, the Suva Declaration looks at:

• Strengthening Regional collaboration
• Enhancing safety and security
• Promoting environmentally sustainable aviation practices
• Expanding inclusive and accessible connectivity
• Building capacity and resilience
• Enhancing international air law framework
• Advancing innovation and digital transformation and
• Ensuring financial and economic sustainability.

Minister Gavoka said “In endorsing the Suva Declaration, we commit to these principles and pledge to work together in advancing sustainable aviation and connectivity for the prosperity and well being of the aviation sector in the Pacific region.”

The region now has the Pacific Islands Civil Aviation Safety and Security Treaty, Regional Pacific Aviation Strategy, the Framework for Aviation in the Pacific the Port Moresby Declaration, Pacific Regional Engagement Framework, Pacific Regional Aviation Action Plan and the Suva Declaration.

As Secretariat of the Meeting (RAMM3), Pacific Safety Aviation Organisation (PASO) General Manager, Ueta Solomona said “Our  organisation plays a crucial role in regional oversight and development. We work by addressing specific needs and threats to the Pacific and creating a comprehensive support system for the aviation industry that is in line with global development.”

“The endorsement by the Ministers for Aviation is an indication of the commitment from the region for a safe, secure and sustainable aviation system and these are all in line with the overarching 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent,” he said.

“At the heart of it all is regionalism and how we can best work together to ensure every flight is safe, secure and sustainable. This is about connecting communities to each other and the global economy. It is about ensuring services reach the remotest parts, and trade and tourism is made easier,” he added.

The Meeting concludes today with Tuvalu hosting the next Regional Aviation Ministers Meeting virtually in 2026.

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