Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Penny Wong and Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Matt Thistlethwaite have arrived in the country for a one day official visit.
They are travelling to Fiji, the Kingdom of Tonga and the Republic of Vanuatu as Australia continues to strengthen their enduring partnership with the Pacific.
An Australian Government statement says the early visit by the new Australian Government Ministers to the region again demonstrates how deeply they value being part of the Pacific family.
While in Suva, they will meet Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sitiveni Rabuka to discuss strengthening the Vuvale Partnership, deepening trade arrangements, and boosting cooperation on development, climate action, and resilience.
A major announcement is also expected at the CWM Hospital later today.
In Nuku’alofa, they will meet Prime Minister ‘Aisake Eke and Minister for Foreign Affairs and His Majesty’s Armed Forces His Royal Highness Tupoutoʻa ‘Ulukalala to advance their deep partnership, and the shared Pacific Islands Forum priorities with Tonga, the current Forum Chair.
In Port Vila, they will meet Prime Minister Jotham Napat and senior government ministers.
