Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, and Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Senator the Hon Anne Ruston, will travel to Nauru from 3 to 5 September 2018 to represent Australia at the 49th Pacific Islands Forum.
Australia has deep and enduring ties with the Pacific region based on shared history, shared values and shared interests. The PIF Leaders' Meeting is the most important forum for high-level discussion of issues facing our region. The meeting will consider current and emerging challenges for the Pacific, and set priorities for future cooperation.
Security issues will be at the forefront of the agenda for this year's meeting, and leaders are expected to adopt a new regional security declaration to deepen cooperation. This reflects the growing concern of Forum members about a range of emerging security threats, and recognition of the need for closer collaboration to address them effectively.
Other major issues on the Forum Leaders' agenda include climate change; sustainable development; fisheries management; and non-communicable diseases.
Nauru will take on the role of Chair of the Forum for the coming year, following Samoa's successful year in that role.
Australia's relationship with Nauru dates back over a century, and close links continue between the people of the two countries. Australia is Nauru's largest development partner and the visit will also provide an opportunity for ministers to see how Australia's aid program is supporting Nauru's development.
