Key facts
- Australia and Vanuatu signed a bilateral security and economic treaty.
- The pact prohibits foreign military bases or infrastructure on Vanuatu.
- Australia is designated as Vanuatu's primary security and economic partner.
- Vanuatu will consult Australia on third-party engagement in critical infrastructure.
- Vanuatu committed to prioritizing policing cooperation with Pacific Islands Forum members.
Australia and Vanuatu have signed a bilateral security and economic treaty, known as the Nakamal Agreement, aimed at bolstering ties and preventing foreign military bases on the island nation. The pact designates Australia as Vanuatu's primary security and economic partner, a move seen as a strategic counter to China's growing influence in the South Pacific.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the agreement reaffirms Australia's role as Vanuatu's largest economic, security, and development partner. Vanuatu's Prime Minister Jotham Napat emphasized the pact reinforces a partnership based on mutual respect and a shared vision for a peaceful Pacific. Under the agreement, Vanuatu commits to not allowing foreign military bases or the militarization of its critical infrastructure, while also agreeing to consult Australia on third-party engagement in such infrastructure.
The treaty also includes provisions for Vanuatu to prioritize policing cooperation with Pacific Islands Forum members and to seek assistance from Australia, New Zealand, and France in response to major natural disasters. Australia had previously proposed significant financial aid over a decade as part of the agreement's terms. Vanuatu is also negotiating a separate development cooperation deal with China, which Napat stated is not a security pact and will be made public.