Australia’s top ministers travel to Pacific to deepen defence, development and diplomatic ties
This week Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles, Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy are visiting the Pacific, strengthening ties with Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Fiji and advancing security, development and regional cooperation.
Papua New Guinea
Deputy Prime Minister Marles will lead discussions in Port Moresby focused on deepening defence cooperation and Australia’s support for PNG’s security priorities. He is scheduled to meet Prime Minister James Marape, Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso and Defence Minister Dr Billy Joseph. Marles has said the talks will cover growing integration and cooperation between the two countries’ defence forces, including ongoing negotiations for a bilateral defence treaty announced earlier this year.
Vanuatu
Following PNG, Marles will join Ministers Wong and Conroy in Vanuatu, where they will meet Prime Minister Jotham Napat, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Johnny Koanapo and other senior ministers. The delegation will also travel to Tanna, Prime Minister Napat’s home island, to progress discussions on the proposed Nakamal Agreement — a bilateral initiative intended to elevate the partnership through culturally grounded dialogue and cooperation.
The visit builds on recent practical and programmatic engagement between Canberra and Port Vila, including maritime security cooperation under the Pacific Maritime Security Programme (for example the return and repair of the Guardian-class patrol boat RVS Takuare) and development support for disaster recovery. Australian ministers have framed the Nakamal concept as a culturally appropriate platform to expand cooperation on economic resilience, infrastructure, climate adaptation and governance.
Fiji and the Pacific Islands Forum
Foreign Minister Penny Wong will then travel to Fiji to attend the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Foreign Ministers Meeting in Suva. Australia — a founding Forum member — emphasises the PIF’s role in strengthening regional unity and advancing a shared vision of a peaceful, stable and prosperous “Blue Pacific.” Ministers will consider issues including regional security, climate action, ocean governance and economic resilience. Australia has also proposed collaborating with Pacific nations to host COP31 to spotlight urgent climate impacts on the region.
Statements from ministers
Marles: “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.”
Wong: “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.”
Conroy: “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.”
Additional context and developments to watch
– Disaster recovery and climate resilience: Recent talks between Australian and Vanuatu leaders have included concrete recovery commitments and development funding to rebuild schools and infrastructure following seismic and cyclone damage. Practical support and reconstruction assistance remain priorities alongside diplomatic engagement.
– Maritime security: Australia’s work repairing and returning Guardian-class patrol boats to Pacific partners under the Pacific Maritime Security Programme has been central to regional security cooperation and capacity-building.
– COP31 and climate diplomacy: Australia’s proposal to co-host COP31 with Pacific nations has been discussed at PIF meetings and reflects efforts to amplify Pacific perspectives in global climate negotiations.
– Security arrangements: Negotiations over bilateral defence agreements and security partnerships will likely continue to be a central focus, reflecting the emphasis Australia places on regional stability and interoperable cooperation.
Why this matters
The ministers’ visits signal a stepped-up tempo in ministerial exchanges and practical support between Australia and Pacific neighbours. Combining high-level diplomacy with tangible development and security cooperation aims to reinforce trust, build capacity for disaster response and maritime security, and ensure Pacific priorities — particularly on climate and economic resilience — remain central to regional decision-making.
Short summary
Australian ministers are touring Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Fiji to strengthen defence ties, progress a proposed Nakamal Agreement with Vanuatu, and represent Australia at the Pacific Islands Forum in Suva. The trip links diplomatic talks with practical programs in disaster recovery, maritime security and regional climate cooperation.
Hopeful note
These visits emphasize partnership grounded in shared culture and practical support. By pairing high-level dialogue with on-the-ground assistance — from maritime capability repairs to disaster recovery funding — Australia and Pacific governments have opportunities to deliver outcomes that improve resilience, security and prosperity across the region.
Suggested editorial additions for publication
– A sidebar summarising the Nakamal Agreement concept and its intended priorities (security, economic resilience, climate adaptation) to give readers quick context.
– A brief timeline of recent Australia–Pacific engagements (patrol boat returns, disaster recovery pledges, defence treaty negotiations, PIF meetings) to show continuity and momentum.
– A short explainer on the Pacific Maritime Security Programme and Guardian-class patrol boats for readers unfamiliar with maritime cooperation mechanisms.
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