"We believe in true partnerships": Australian Foreign Minister

The new Australian Government has told the Pacific that their Government will increase overseas development assistance to the Pacific by $525 million over the next four years to help recover from the pandemic.

In her address at the Pacific Islands Forum (P.I.F.) in Fiji on Thursday, Australia's new Foreign Minister Penny Wong told the Pacific that they will respect Pacific priorities and Pacific institutions.

"Australia will remain a critical development partner for the Pacific family in the years ahead," she said.

"We are a partner that won’t come with strings attached, nor impose unsustainable financial burdens. We are a partner that won’t erode Pacific priorities or institutions.

"Instead we believe in transparency. We believe in true partnerships. We will respect Pacific priorities and Pacific institutions. We will support growth and development that is sustainable.We will contribute to the long term stability and security of the Pacific. We will expand opportunities for Pacific workers in Australia, while also improving their working conditions. We will deepen our defence and maritime cooperation.We will offer quality, climate resilient infrastructure.

"And we will increase Australia’s overseas development assistance to the Pacific by $525 million over the next four years, working with you to recover from the pandemic."

She had also that women have a key role in recovery and economic development.

"As the countries of the Pacific continue to chart a course to recovery from the challenges of COVID, we know that women and girls – their status, their participation, their education, their safety – will be a vital part of that recovery," she said.

"We will always seek to work in partnership with our Pacific Family."