Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong is visiting Fiji to participate in the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Foreign Ministers Meeting in Suva. This marks her fifth trip to Fiji in her role as Foreign Minister, underscoring the significance that the Australian Government places on its strong and lasting relationship with Fiji and the wider Pacific region.
Senator Wong emphasized that the PIF Foreign Ministers Meeting provides a platform to share ideas and collaborate in addressing common challenges, such as climate change, regional security, and economic development, in line with the Pacific Way.
She stated, “Australia envisions a peaceful, stable, prosperous, and unified region, with the Pacific Islands Forum at its core. Together, we will work towards the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, aimed at cultivating a more interconnected and resilient Pacific.”
The agenda includes discussions on Australia’s bid to host the COP31 Climate Change Conference in collaboration with Pacific Island nations, highlighting the urgent impact of climate change on the region and the need for accelerated global action.
This trip also features the participation of Australia’s Ambassador for First Nations People, Justin Mohamed, for the first time, enhancing the inclusion of First Nations perspectives in Australia’s engagement with the PIF.
During her stay in Suva, Senator Wong will visit the Colonial War Memorial Hospital, a vital part of Fiji’s healthcare system, and take part in the announcement regarding the successful contractor for the development of the hospital’s infrastructure masterplan.