Australia, the United States and Europe need to step up their engagement on climate change, investment and COVID-19 aid in the Pacific, the European Union special envoy to the region says.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Gabriele Visentin says the block is working with its partners to increase its presence and support the region's growth in a sustainable manner.
Engagement on climate change, investment in connectivity within the Pacific and strengthening vaccination efforts and COVID-19 aid are all areas where partnerships can be stronger, Mr Visentin said on Thursday.
"It's not a matter of increasing influence. It's a matter of becoming a credible partner who treats the Pacific island states as sovereign countries able to take sovereign decisions for their long term interests," he added.
"We welcome our partners like the US and Australia addressing the Pacific states with respect.
"Showing them that we have a complete empathy and understanding of their needs proves effective.
"Look at what happened in Fiji just a couple of days ago after the trip of (Foreign) Minister Penny Wong."
Senator Wong has again jetted off to the Pacific, travelling to Samoa and Tonga just days after China signed bilateral agreements with both nations.
The agreements came as China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi made a travel blitz through the region.
While China has signed bilateral agreements with some Pacific nations, the Asian powerhouse has put a region-wide security deal on ice.
Beijing instead set out a position paper on the Pacific, covering areas such as security and development, along with greater dialogue and diplomatic ties.
Senator Wong said her visit to Samoa and Tonga would aim to strengthen ties between Pacific nations and Australia.
"I look forward to listening to leaders in Samoa and Tonga about how the Australian government can best apply the new energy and resources we are bringing to the Pacific," she said in a statement.
"We understand that we need to work together like never before, for our people and for generations to come."
She will meet with Samoan head of state Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II and Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, followed by Tongan Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni and Tonga's foreign minister.
Senator Wong said Australia would increase its contribution to regional security.
"We understand that the security of the Pacific is the responsibility of the Pacific family, of which Australia is a part," she said.
"We will stand shoulder to shoulder with our Pacific family in addressing the existential threat of climate change, and we will deepen cultural and sporting ties."
While security will feature heavily in talks with Pacific nations, Senator Wong is also expected to speak with Tonga's government about relief efforts following the devastating volcanic eruption and tsunami there earlier this year.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says all government ministers should engage with their Pacific counterparts to strengthen relationships and partnerships in the region.
Dr Chalmers said he had already spoken to his Indonesian counterpart Sri Mulyani and would be working to engage with others across the Pacific region.
"All of us in our own portfolios, in our own ways, can make a contribution to strengthening our relationships and our partnerships with friends in our neighbourhood," he said.
"The first week of my treasurership was about engaging with state and territory treasurers, peak business groups and unions.
"I've moved on now to engaging with international counterparts, and part of that will be Pacific friends."
Australian Associated Press
