Speech
Reception for Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia-Pacific
Ladies and Gentlemen, I greet you in the languages of the realm of New Zealand - English, Maori, CookIsland, Niue and Tokelau.
Kia Ora, Kia Orana, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Taloha Ni
More specifically I greet you: Co-Chairmen of the Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia-Pacific, Professor Veitch, Pak Yusuf Wanandi; Professor Hawke, and Mr Peter Cozens from CSCAP New Zealand; representatives of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Ministry of Defence and Defence Force; Distinguished Guests otherwise, please all feel greeted.
As part of the exposure particularly of foreign visitors to New Zealand, may I say welcome to Wellington and to Government House.
It is a matter of great delight to host this occasion here this evening. I know you are in the throes of a very busy few days and I appreciate your time in coming to Government House this evening.
The area of your professional concern is, I will now explain, of great interest to me both professionally and personally.
Having an element of Fiji in my personal background make the current tensions there resonate with a personal element in that I have family connections on both sides of my family in the country. In this sense, I join thousands of New Zealanders with some Fiji connection who have observed the events of the past fortnight with dismay.
Professionally, as Governor-General of New Zealand, I am deeply aware of the importance of maintaining and enhancing security in Oceania and in the wider Asia-Pacific region. Looking at the guest list and in particular now seeing you standing here in a group there is a resonance of Track Two Diplomacy - that creation of the modern era which synthesises the capability of informal diplomacy, in which groupings of non-officials, academic scholars, retired diplomatic civil and military officials, public figures and social activists can engage in dialogue, with the aim of conflict resolution, or in confidence-building. This sort of diplomacy may be especially useful after events which can be interpreted in a number of different ways, where parties recognise this fact, and neither side wants to escalate or involve third parties for fear of the situation spiralling out of control. It may also be said that although Track Two diplomacy may seem less important than Track One which is the work of actual diplomats at their embassies, it can be on many occasions more important. Indeed its informal nature often reflects the fact that the issues in question are of deadly seriousness.
There have been challenging times in this regard in the past few months, with tensions evident in Tonga, the Solomon Islands, and now, of course, in Fiji. I know that Track Two diplomatic capabilities have been tested many times over during this year.
These problems are, as you will know, as complicated as they are volatile. Frequently the problems are historic and thus, their genesis can be near impossible to identify and so even harder to resolve.
There are always deep sensitivities and too often, lives depend on a peaceful resolution.
I am not alone in expressing gratitude towards CSCAP for the contributions that are being made through Track Two diplomacy in Oceania and the Asia Pacific.
The work of CSCAP has been vital in helping resolve misunderstandings that sometimes lead to hostilities and conflict.
It is an ongoing commitment to using dialogue to find solutions for very difficult problems that characterises the organisation's approach.
In this sense, CSCAP and the goodwill it generates, is vital to the ongoing security of the Asia Pacific.
As we are in a New Zealand setting today, it is also a pleasure to acknowledge that this is the first time New Zealand has held the office of Co-Chairman of CSCAP. Professor Veitch of the CSCAP-New Zealand National Council and a highly respected academic contributor here, has been elected to be the Non-ASEAN Co-Chairman of CSCAP itself.
In the past, this position has been held by people from countries with much larger populations, influence and power than New Zealand and the privilege and trust that the CSCAP thus extends to our country calls for recognition.
Further, the appointment illustrates New Zealand's commitment to solving problems of security in the Asia-Pacific region. Even though we have a smaller population, we are equally committed to the security and stability of the Asia-Pacific region.
I would like to take this opportunity today to add congratulations for the organisation's work in the Asia-Pacific region to date. I would also like to add encouragement for the development and application of the very important principles of Track Two diplomacy. It is a significant force for good in this part of the world.
No reira, tena koutou, tena koutou, kia ora koutou katoa