Australian officials heading to Pacific Islands for talks

This week the Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles, Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong, and Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy, will travel to the Pacific as Australia continues to strengthen ties. The deputy prime minister will travel to Papua New Guinea to discuss the deepening defence ties between the two countries, and Australia’s support for PNG’s security priorities. During the visit he will meet with Prime Minister James Marape, Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso, and Minister for Defense Dr Billy Joseph. After travelling to PNG, the deputy prime minister will join Wong and Conroy in the Republic of Vanuatu where they will meet Prime Minister Jotham Napat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economic Management Johnny Koanapo, and other senior ministers. The ministers will also travel to Tanna, the home island of Prime Minister Napat, to progress discussions on the proposed Nakamal Agreement – a bilateral initiative to elevate the countries’ partnership. The foreign minister will then travel to the Republic of Fiji to attend the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Foreign Ministers Meeting. As a founding member of the PIF, Australia strongly supports the Forum’s role in strengthening regional unity and pursuing a shared vision for a peaceful, stable, prosperous and unified region. Marles said: “Australia deeply values our relationships with our Pacific family as we work together to strengthen ties and deepen security partnerships. 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. 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.” Wong said: “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. It is a privilege to be joining Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers in Suva, to come together to make decisions for our region. Australia is working with the Pacific family to advance our shared priorities and shape a peaceful, stable and prosperous Blue Pacific.” Conroy said: “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.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]