SENATOR THE HON PENNY WONG
LEADER OF THE GOVERNMENT IN THE SENATE
MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS

This week I will travel to the Republic of Kiribati on my first visit as Foreign Minister, and the Republic of Fiji, where I will represent the Prime Minister at the Pacific Islands Forum Special Leaders’ Meeting.

In Kiribati I will meet with President His Excellency Taneti Maamau and cabinet ministers.

Earlier this month I was honoured to welcome President Maamau to Adelaide. In Tarawa we will build on our discussions about Kiribati’s strategic, economic and development priorities and ways to take meaningful action on climate change together.

In Fiji I will meet with Prime Minister, the Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka and members of his government, to discuss how we can enhance and grow our important Vuvale Partnership.

At the Pacific Islands Forum Special Leaders’ Meeting in Nadi, I look forward to engaging with Pacific leaders as we work towards our shared regional vision for the Blue Pacific Continent.

The Pacific is stronger when we are united. Australia looks forward to welcoming Kiribati back to the Pacific Islands Forum family.

The Pacific Islands Forum is central to our shared interest in a region which is stable, prosperous and respectful of sovereignty.

I am keen to hear from leaders about how we can work together to tackle the climate crisis, strengthen our economies post-pandemic, and achieve our shared interests in a peaceful and secure region. 

This will be my ninth visit to the Pacific as Foreign Minister, demonstrating Australia’s commitment to working with the Pacific as a whole.

Media Contact:
Foreign Minister's Office: +61 2 6277 7500

Authorised by Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Australia.