BY JOY OFASIA
Australia’s Minister for International Development and the Pacific, The Hon Pat Conroy MP, is visiting Fiji, Papua New Guinea (PNG), and Solomon Islands this week to deepen regional partnerships and support key development initiatives.
In a media release dated June 22, Minister Conroy said the visit is part of Australia’s continued efforts to work closely with its Pacific neighbours.
“I am proud to represent Australia as we strengthen our enduring partnership with the Pacific,” Minister Conroy stated. “We are committed to a strong, secure, and prosperous region.”
While in the Solomon Islands, Minister Conroy will launch the Australia – Solomon Islands Development Partnership Plan, a new initiative designed to support long-term development and cooperation between the two countries.
“Our countries are more connected than ever before, especially through labour mobility and growing trade ties,” he said. “This new partnership plan will help us continue to support each other in key areas like education, infrastructure, and health.”
The Minister is also scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and senior government officials to discuss the wide scope of the Australia-Solomon Islands relationship.
“Australia stands beside Solomon Islands as it prepares to host the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in September,” Mr. Conroy said. “We’re committed to helping ensure it is a success for all Pacific nations.”
Minister Conroy’s trip includes key stops in Fiji, where he will attend the Melanesian Spearhead Group Leaders’ Summit, and PNG, where he will reaffirm support for rugby league and address the 40th Australia-PNG Business Forum.
In PNG, he will also meet with stakeholders and representatives from the National Rugby League (NRL) to support the development of a local NRL franchise by 2028.
“This visit reflects our deep and growing partnerships across the Pacific,” Minister Conroy said. “We are stronger when we work together.”
