Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong is currently in Fiji for the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Foreign Ministers Meeting in Suva. This marks her fifth visit to the country as Foreign Minister, highlighting the Australian Government’s commitment to maintaining a strong and lasting relationship with Fiji and the broader Pacific region.
Senator Wong expressed that participating in the PIF Foreign Ministers Meeting offers a valuable opportunity to share ideas and collaborate, embodying the Pacific Way, to tackle common challenges such as climate change, regional security, and economic development.
“Australia envisions a peaceful, stable, prosperous, and unified region, with the Pacific Islands Forum at its core. Together, we will work towards implementing the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent to create a more interconnected and resilient Pacific,” she stated.
Additionally, she mentioned that discussions would include Australia’s bid to host the COP31 Climate Change Conference in collaboration with Pacific Island nations, aiming to draw global attention to the urgent effects of the climate crisis on the Pacific and to speed up global response efforts.
For the first time, Australia’s Ambassador for First Nations People, Justin Mohamed, will join Senator Wong at the PIF Foreign Ministers Meeting, enhancing the inclusion of First Nations perspectives in their discussions and strengthening ties with the PIF community.
During her visit to Suva, Senator Wong will also tour the Colonial War Memorial Hospital, a key component of Fiji’s healthcare system, and will participate in the announcement of the contractor selected to implement the CWM infrastructure masterplan.