Australia and the Pacific island nation of Samoa have announced the signing of a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) on cyber cooperation aimed at combating organised cyber crime impacting the region.
“Historically, the vast Pacific Ocean has helped safeguard our region. But in the digital world, this distance offers no such protection, and we all have vulnerabilities,” Australia’s Foreign Minister, Penny Wong (pictured), said while visiting Samoa this week.
“From critical government services to the personal activities of citizens, Samoa’s leadership, including in calling out malicious activities, is appreciated throughout the region.”
Minister Wong noted that, given both nations are often targeted by the same threats, the MOU will allow closer collaboration between the two countries, including a $2 million support package over three years to help in boosting Samoa’s “cyber priorities”.
“These documents are fundamental to our shared commitment – Australia and Samoa – our shared commitment to the wellbeing of our communities in Samoa, in Australia and across the blue Pacific,” Minister Wong said.
“And I have come here to again express with humility and sincerity our friendship and our commitment to you that we are a partner the region can count on.”
Prime Minister Laʻaulialemalietoa said the MOU would assist his nation in “strengthening incident preparedness and response” and enhancing its secure digital systems.
“Overall, the support will include the provision of new equipment and tools, technical assistance and participation in international forums. Secondly, I am pleased to acknowledge that the two MOU of the Ministry of Police, the MOU of the Pacific Policing Initiative, incorporate free interconnection; second, Regional Centres of Excellence; third, the Pacific Police Support Group and [fourth] the Pacific Policing Coordination Hub,” Prime Minister Laʻaulialemalietoa said.
Minister Wong closed by telling media assembled in Samoa that “today’s memorandum of cooperation will enable our two nations to work even more closely together, to learn from each other, to assist each other and to build regional resilience to growing cyber and critical technology threats”.
“And we will meet these challenges side by side, and together we will overcome them,” Minister Wong said.
David Hollingworth
David Hollingworth has been writing about technology for over 20 years, and has worked for a range of print and online titles in his career. He is enjoying getting to grips with cyber security, especially when it lets him talk about Lego.