Commodore (CDRE) Natuva represented Fiji at a high-level naval round table this week, hosted on the sidelines of the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Nice, France, at the invitation of the Chief of the French Navy.

The panel, led by Admiral Nicolas Vaujour, included naval leaders from Nigeria and Bangladesh, representing the African and Asian regions respectively.

Discussions centered on how navies contribute to ocean sustainability and respond to the growing impacts of climate change across their regions.

The event also featured a visit aboard the French frigate Provence, where naval chiefs engaged in bilateral talks and deepened cooperation.

With maritime treaties becoming increasingly complex and the transnational nature of ocean activities, naval partnerships and the exchange of best practices are seen as vital to ensuring effective implementation and regional security.