Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister of Vanuatu, Jotham Napat, signed a new treaty, the Vanuatu-Australia Nakamal Agreement, in Canberra today.
In Vanuatu, the Nakamal is the traditional meeting place where the community and its leaders consult and make decisions with mutual respect, trust and understanding.
The Nakamal Agreement elevates the partnership between Australia and Vanuatu, deepens integration between our people, strengthens the collective security of our region, and supports Vanuatu's development aspirations and economic transformation.
Australia and Vanuatu share history and close cultural connections between our Melanesian, South Sea Islander and First Nations communities. Honouring and strengthening these ties is at the heart of the Agreement and will be among our earliest actions.
As Vanuatu's longstanding primary policing partner, Australia will provide additional training and equipment to the Vanuatu Police Force, as well as greater maritime security, infrastructure, intelligence cooperation and cyber support.
Reaffirming regional leaders' commitment that Pacific security is the shared responsibility of Pacific Islands Forum members, Vanuatu has committed to prioritise policing cooperation with Pacific Islands Forum members. Vanuatu will not allow any foreign military base or infrastructure in its territory, and will keep its critical infrastructure free from militarisation, foreign interference or unauthorised access. Vanuatu will consult Australia when it considers third party engagement in its critical infrastructure.
The Nakamal Agreement formalises Australia's longstanding support to Vanuatu in response to major natural disasters. Vanuatu has committed to come to Australia, New Zealand and France first for humanitarian assistance.
Recognising the existential threat posed by climate change, Australia and Vanuatu will work together to transition to renewable energy sources, including by supporting on-grid and off-grid renewable energy solutions for Vanuatu's communities.
We will work to make it easier for our people to move between our two countries through enhanced mobility arrangements and border systems, and will establish a new traineeships program to boost Vanuatu's domestic workforce and skills.
The Nakamal Agreement will enter into force as soon as possible, following domestic processes in both countries.
