Anthony Albanese puts hopes for Australia-Vanuatu deal on ice ahead of Pacific Islands Forum
The signing of a security and economic agreement intended to transform the relationship between Australia and Vanuatu has been delayed despite Anthony Albanese travelling to the Pacific nation for further talks on it.
The Prime Minister will stop in Port Vila ahead of attending the Pacific Islands Forum in the Solomon Islands this week.
But before leaving Australia, he dashed hopes the deal would be given the final approval on Tuesday.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“I wouldn’t expect that it will be signed today, but what we will do is to progress it today, to have that conversation,” he told ABC Radio.
Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat said at the initial signing by the deputy leaders in August that the deal was “a win-win situation for Australia and Vanuatu” that would transpire into many benefits.
At the time, he and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said it was the intention that the two leaders would sign the finalised agreement within weeks.
Mr Albanese said he anticipated “good faith discussions” on Tuesday with Mr Napat and other members of his ministry.
He disagreed the deal could fall by the wayside like a previous attempt a couple of years ago.
“We’re very confident that we’ll be able to progress that,” he said.
“But we want to enter in a good faith discussion. And one way that you do that of course isn’t just by talking on the phone, it’s by having a face-to-face discussion.”
He also revealed he would give Mr Napat a lift to the PIF leaders meeting after their talks.
