This week, the Australian Government welcomed the historic visit of the President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), H.E. Dr Hilda Heine and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Hon Kalani Kaneko.
The visit marks the first official bilateral visit to Australia by an RMI President in more than three decades. President Heine and Minister Kaneko engaged in fruitful discussions with Australia's Governor General, Prime Minister and key cabinet ministers that underlined the strong ties and strategic alignment between Australia and RMI, committed to working together on shared priorities.
During the visit, President Heine witnessed Foreign Ministers Wong and Kaneko sign a letter of intent for Australia's support for RMI's new Resilience and Adaptation Trust Fund. The Fund will provide long-term financing for RMI to strengthen its climate change resilience, adaptation and mitigation.
The Australian Government, in partnership with UNICEF Australia, will also deliver clean solar and battery energy systems for 19 remote primary schools across RMI where teachers and students currently lack access to basic electricity in classrooms. This will be RMI's first project with the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific.
The Australian Government will also support Women United Together Marshall Islands, a women's rights organisation that supports the empowerment, advancement and protection of women and their families.
Quotes attributable to Foreign Minister Penny Wong:
"The visit of President Heine and Foreign Minister Kaneka demonstrates the deepening ties between the Republic of the Marshall Islands and Australia, building upon our longstanding cooperation in climate and oceans, development and security.
"Pacific nations, including the Republic of the Marshall Islands, are at the front line of the effects of climate change, but have contributed the least to it.
"Our region is stronger together - Australia and the Marshall Islands have a joint commitment to a peaceful, stable and prosperous region."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy:
"Australia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands share a deep connection - Australia was the second country to recognise the Marshall Islands, almost 40 years ago.
"Together, with the Pacific family, we are committed to a stronger region where we can make our own decisions as strong, sovereign nations."
