to further build our resilience, to prevent conflict and deter threats to our sovereignty, independence and society. We will commit to promoting a rules-based global system and maintain our non-aligned foreign policy. We reaffirm our commitment to human rights, justice and the rule of law. Vanuatu must use its limited financial and other resources wisely. We are fortunate to have the strong support of a number of security partners as well as regional and international organisations, and we will work with them closely to build our security and prosperity. We will give high priority to countering non-traditional but growing threats from cybercrime, transnational crimes, money laundering and terrorism. We will guard against foreign interference and espionage. We will work with our communities to address domestic crimes. We will reform the Vanuatu Police Force and build a robust intelligence service to meet our future security needs. We will maintain a small, affordable, defensive and offensive capability, and meet our global commitment to peace building. In tandem with the development of this Strategy, in January 2019 the Government approved the establishment of a high-level National Security Council, comprising all the senior Ministers concerned, under the Chairmanship of the Prime Minister. This initiative addresses a long-standing gap in our government machinery by creating a high-level body to advise the Government on major national security issues on a strategic, whole-of-government basis. The Strategy has been developed following a wide range of consultations with stakeholders in and outside ministries and government, including Chiefs, the Churches, civil society and the private sector. Consultations were held in Santo and Tanna as well as Port Vila. Maintaining security is a truly national endeavour, and our fate is in the hands of us all. In particular the Government looks forward to working closely with all sectors of society in the implementation of the strategy, and building a secure and happy future for all. Hon. Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas Prime Minister 5