This week, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles, Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong, and Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy are on a mission to deepen relationships with key Pacific neighbours, reflecting Australia’s ongoing commitment to regional partnership and security.
Deputy Prime Minister Marles will begin his trip in Papua New Guinea, where he plans to discuss the growing defence ties between the two nations and Australia’s support for PNG’s security priorities.
During his visit, Marles is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister James Marape, Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso, and Defence Minister Dr Billy Joseph. “Australia deeply values our relationships with our Pacific family as we work together to strengthen ties and deepen security partnerships,” Marles said.
He also highlighted the importance of defence cooperation, noting,
“In Papua New Guinea, I look forward to meeting my counterparts to discuss the growing integration and cooperation between our defence forces, including through negotiations for a bilateral defence treaty, as announced in February this year.”
Following PNG, the ministers will travel to the Republic of Vanuatu to build on an enduring partnership. There, they will meet Prime Minister Jotham Napat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Johnny Koanapo, and other senior ministers.
The visit includes a trip to Tanna, the home island of Prime Minister Napat, to advance discussions on the Nakamal Agreement — a bilateral initiative aimed at elevating the Australia-Vanuatu partnership.
Marles remarked,
“In Vanuatu, custom, culture and tradition will provide a vibrant backdrop to our discussions around the Nakamal agreement and Australia looks forward to using this concept to strengthen our ties.”
Senator Wong echoed the sentiment, emphasising the shared values that underpin the relationship:
“Our visit to Vanuatu highlights the respect, shared values and cultural and spiritual connections that are the platform for deepening the partnership between our countries.”
Minister Conroy added, “I look forward to working with the Vanuatu Government to strengthen our close economic, development and security partnership.”
“As partners, we overcome challenges together – Australia is a partner Vanuatu can count on.”
The visit to Vanuatu follows a surge in ministerial exchanges and mutual visits over the past six months, demonstrating the growing tempo of cooperation.
Finally, Senator Wong will travel to Fiji to attend the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Foreign Ministers Meeting in Suva.
As a founding member of the Forum, Australia strongly supports its role in fostering regional unity and pursuing a shared vision for a peaceful, stable, prosperous, and unified Pacific region. “It is a privilege to be joining Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers in Suva, to come together to make decisions for our region,” Senator Wong said.
“Australia is working with the Pacific family to advance our shared priorities and shape a peaceful, stable and prosperous Blue Pacific.”
Reflecting on Australia’s commitment as a Pacific nation, the Albanese government reiterated that it remains a reliable partner dedicated to fostering a resilient region that enables collective economic growth and prosperity.
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