The Government of Australia has pledged VT 450 million (approximately AUD $6 million) in new development assistance to support Vanuatu’s post-earthquake recovery. This significant commitment includes VT 375 million (AUD $5 million) to help rebuild over 45 damaged schools and more than 100 classrooms, and VT 75 million (AUD $1 million) in engineering support to ensure infrastructure is rebuilt to safer, more resilient standards.

The announcement was made during a high-level bilateral meeting in Port Vila between Prime Minister Hon. Jotham Napat and Australian Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong, who is on an official visit to Vanuatu, reaffirming the strong and enduring partnership between the two nations.

Prime Minister Napat highlighted that the new funding aligns with the Government’s broader earthquake recovery plan, which aims to rebuild critical infrastructure, restore livelihoods, and enhance national resilience against future disasters. He acknowledged Australia’s ongoing financial and technical support, noting it as a testament to the spirit of regional solidarity in times of crisis.

“This partnership is about more than aid. It reflects a shared vision of progress, solidarity, and sovereignty. We welcome Australia’s continued commitment to working with us for a stronger and more resilient Vanuatu,” said Prime Minister Napat.

The Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of ensuring that economic and climate-related agreements deliver equitable benefits for all Pacific signatory nations, particularly around trade facilitation, market access, and development financing.

The two leaders discussed the forthcoming Nakamal Partnership Agreement, a modern development cooperation framework set to be signed in September 2025, which will formalize collaboration on key national priorities. These include economic recovery, infrastructure development, climate resilience, social and cultural development, and good governance.

Minister Penny Wong reaffirmed Australia’s deep and long-standing partnership with Vanuatu, describing the relationship as “defined not just by geography, but by shared values, mutual respect, and common aspirations.”

“We are honoured to help rebuild schools and safeguard the next generation of Vanuatu. When disasters strike, family shows up—and that’s what we are: Pacific family,” said Minister Wong.

She added that the VT 450 million package is part of Australia’s broader development commitment to Vanuatu, which has exceeded VT 9 billion (over AUD $120 million) in the past year. This includes humanitarian response, economic recovery, and infrastructure support following the devastating earthquake that struck just before Christmas last year.

Minister Wong also acknowledged the cultural and spiritual importance of the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs, paying her respects during a visit to Nakamal, where she met with former President Chief Willie Grey Plasua. She reaffirmed Australia’s support for the rebuilding of the Nakamal, which she described as “a symbol of unity and the resilience of the Ni-Vanuatu people.”

The Foreign Minister reiterated Australia’s climate commitments, noting that while Australia is not among the world’s largest emitters, it has historically been a fossil fuel–dependent economy and is now pursuing an ambitious energy transition. She pointed to Australia’s legislated target of 82% renewable energy by 2030, adding that cooperation with Pacific nations is central to achieving global climate goals.

“All nations, particularly the largest emitters, must do their part. Australia is committed to acting on climate because we understand the daily impacts Pacific nations like Vanuatu face,” she said.

Tourism was another key issue discussed during the talks, with both leaders acknowledging its vital role in Vanuatu’s economy—contributing over 30 to 40 percent depending on the year. Minister Wong said Australia would continue to work with the private sector and Vanuatu to ensure consistent air connectivity and sustainable tourism development under the new partnership.

As the meeting concluded, both leaders reaffirmed the unshakeable foundation of the Vanuatu-Australia relationship and expressed hope that the Nakamal Partnership Agreement would serve as a long-term blueprint for sustainable development and regional cooperation.

“Together, our nations will continue to advance recovery, build climate resilience, and strengthen regional unity,” said Prime Minister Napat.

“Words alone will not secure our future—we must act. And Australia is proud to walk this path alongside Vanuatu,” Minister Wong added.