Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong is currently in Suva to participate in the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Foreign Ministers Meeting. This visit marks her fifth trip to Fiji as Foreign Minister, underscoring the significance the Australian Government places on its longstanding relationship with Fiji and the broader Pacific community.
Senator Wong emphasized that the PIF Foreign Ministers Meeting provides a valuable opportunity to share ideas and collaboratively address common challenges such as climate change, regional security, and economic development, in accordance with the Pacific Way.
“Australia is committed to a vision of a peaceful, stable, prosperous, and unified region, with the Pacific Islands Forum at its core. Together, we aim to implement the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent to create a more interconnected and resilient region,” she stated.
During the meeting, discussions will also include Australia’s proposal to host the COP31 Climate Change Conference in collaboration with Pacific Island nations. This aims to highlight the immediate effects of the climate crisis on the region and to prompt faster global action.
Additionally, Australia’s Ambassador for First Nations People, Justin Mohamed, will join Senator Wong at the PIF Foreign Ministers Meeting, marking the first time in this capacity, which aims to incorporate First Nations perspectives into engagements and strengthen bonds with the PIF family.
While in Suva, Senator Wong plans to visit the Colonial War Memorial Hospital, an essential part of Fiji’s healthcare system, and participate in announcing the successful bidder for the CWM infrastructure masterplan.