Senator Penny Wong leads Australia’s push for stronger Pacific ties at Suva summit

Foreign Minister Penny Wong says Australia is working with its Pacific neighbours to “advance our shared priorities and shape a peaceful, stable and prosperous Blue Pacific.”

Speaking from Suva during the Pacific Island Forum Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Wong described the Pacific as standing “at a pivotal juncture” and said,

“In a time of global uncertainty, regionalism matters more than ever.”

Australia is working with the Pacific family to advance our shared priorities and shape a peaceful, stable and prosperous Blue Pacific.

It is a privilege to be back in Suva for the Pacific Island Forum Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. pic.twitter.com/Fj0WbpIXSS

— Senator Penny Wong (@SenatorWong) August 14, 2025

Earlier, in a dramatic ceremony, senior ministers from Australia and Vanuatu climbed to the summit of Mount Yasur on the island of Tanna to initial the landmark Nakamal Agreement, ahead of its formal signing by the two countries’ prime ministers next month.

Vanuatu and Australia are deepening our partnership with a focus on respect, shared values and cultural and spiritual connections.

Here on Prime Minister Napat's home island of Tanna – we are working together to transform our relationship. pic.twitter.com/0ItTybqpm8

— Senator Penny Wong (@SenatorWong) August 13, 2025

Australia is set to invest around $500 million into Vanuatu over the next decade under the pact, replacing a 2022 bilateral security agreement that Vanuatu later abandoned. While many details remain confidential, officials have described the deal as “transformational.”

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said it reflects a “shared destiny,” adding,

“What this agreement really does is, for the first time, acknowledge what has always been the truth… our future is very much bound together.”

Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat called the deal a “win-win,” highlighting benefits ranging from security cooperation and economic transformation to labour mobility and financial support.

Today, Australia and Vanuatu reached a milestone that will transform the relationship between our two countries, with the finalisation of negotiations on the Nakamal Agreement.

This agreement represents an ambitious step in the partnership between our two countries — one that… pic.twitter.com/MDHqlbRBSs

— Richard Marles (@RichardMarlesMP) August 13, 2025

The Nakamal Agreement is expected to cover infrastructure, climate resilience, economic development, and security support, although visa arrangements for Ni-Vanuatu citizens remain unresolved. While Australia has not committed to visa-free travel, officials are open to discussing broader travel liberalisation.

The agreement also comes amid efforts to counter China’s growing influence in Vanuatu, where Beijing has funded major infrastructure projects and gifted a $31 million presidential palace. While the pact does not grant Australia veto power over Vanuatu’s external security partnerships, officials hope it strengthens Canberra’s position as Vanuatu’s principal security partner.

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