AUSTRALIA will send three ministers into the Pacific ahead of a regional leaders’ forum and against a backdrop of renewed attempts by China to influence foreign policy in small island countries.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles, Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong, and Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy, will travel to the Pacific as Australia strengthens ties.
Marles will travel to Papua New Guinea – where Australia and the United States refurbished a naval base – to discuss the deepening defence ties and Australia’s support for PNG’s security priorities.
“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, as announced in February this year,’’ he said.
Marles will meet Prime Minister James Marape, Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso, and Minister for Defence Dr Billy Josep.
Later, Marles will join Wong and Conroy in Vanuatu to progress discussions with Prime Minister Jotham Napat with on the proposed Nakamal Agreement – a bilateral initiative to elevate partnership between the two countries.
Wong will then travel to Fiji to attend the Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting.
“Australia is working with the Pacific family to advance our shared priorities and shape a peaceful, stable and prosperous Blue Pacific,” Wong said.