I will travel to Tuvalu from 14-16 August for the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting, joined by the Minister for International Development and the Pacific Alex Hawke.
The PIF is the Pacific's principal regional forum and I look forward to working together with regional leaders to advance our common interests in a sovereign, independent and prosperous Pacific family.
I acknowledge the theme of this year's meeting, 'Securing Our Future in the Pacific', which builds on the Blue Pacific narrative and aligns with the Boe Declaration. I look forward to discussing vital regional issues including climate change and the challenges the Pacific faces as well as regional security.
My first decision after being elected was to attend the PIF, underlining my commitment and that of my Government to the Pacific region.
Through the Pacific Step-up, my Government will continue to work with our partners to build a Pacific region that is secure strategically, stable economically and sovereign politically.
