Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Senator Penny Wong, arrived at the Pacific Islands Forum headquarters in Suva for her first official visit following the recent elections. Senator Wong expressed a commitment to collaborate with Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) members, emphasizing the shared future and challenges faced by the region, including climate change and economic development.
Reflecting on her previous term as Minister, Wong stated her intent to “learn, listen, and then act,” underlining the importance of regional cooperation in overcoming pressing issues. She reiterated that no nation can tackle these challenges alone, and that the Pacific needs to work collectively to enhance resilience against growing threats.
Senator Wong highlighted Australia’s significant role as a development partner in the Pacific, noting an increase in development assistance to over AUD 2.1 billion. She emphasized that Australia aims to be a dependable partner, committed to fostering peace, stability, and prosperity across the region.
Wong’s agenda during her visit also includes touring the Colonial War Memorial Hospital, which is essential to Fiji’s healthcare system. Additionally, Wong underscored the importance of maintaining strong relations with Fiji and enhancing collaborative efforts to achieve the region’s shared goals, as discussed among PIF leaders.
Australia’s proactive engagement in the Pacific, especially regarding climate initiatives and regional development, represents a hopeful step towards a unified and resilient future for the Pacific Islands.
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