Today in Vanuatu, Australia and Vanuatu signed a Bilateral Security Agreement.
Australia and Vanuatu’s security is intertwined and we are committed to enhancing the peace, prosperity, resilience and safety of our region for future generations.
The Agreement recognises that our security cooperation must continue to adapt, including to better address the implications of climate change, to help manage the human security effects of COVID-19, and to meet shared challenges across the full scope of the 2018 Boe Declaration on Regional Security.
The Agreement cements our ability to work together across a broad range of security cooperation areas including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief; policing, law enforcement and justice; defence; border security, human security; environment and resource security; biosecurity; cyber security; maritime safety and security; and aviation safety and security. It also enables strengthened information and assessment exchange.
A new joint security dialogue will help guide implementation.
As nations committed to democracy, accountability and transparency, the Agreement will be publicly available.
Australia also handed over the newly redeveloped Mala Base Wharf and gifted police boat RVS Mataweli to Vanuatu as part of our long-standing maritime security cooperation.
Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP said:
“The Australia-Vanuatu Bilateral Security Agreement is a practical expression of the family first approach to peace and security in our region. It reflects Australia and Vanuatu’s ongoing commitment to working together as members of the Pacific family to address shared security challenges.”
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong said:
“Australia and Vanuatu enjoy a deep security partnership developed through decades of practical cooperation. This Bilateral Security Agreement will formalise our partnership across the full suite of our shared security interests and make a valuable contribution to the security of the Pacific family.”
Attorney-General, the Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP said:
“Australia and Vanuatu over many years have worked together as members of the Pacific law enforcement community to combat security challenges to keep the Blue Pacific safe. The bilateral security agreement will take these relationships across the law and justice sector to a new level.”
Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP said:
“This Agreement builds on our strong and enduring security partnership based on respect, shared values, and decades of cooperation. It will underpin our ability to contribute to our region’s security, giving effect to the 2018 Boe Declaration on Regional Security and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.”