Prime Minister Jotham Napat has defended the newly signed Nakamal Agreement between Vanuatu and Australia, saying it protects the country’s sovereignty while creating new opportunities for economic growth, jobs, education, climate action and security.

Speaking at a press conference following his return from Australia, Mr Napat said the agreement is a 10-year development framework that renews the long-standing partnership between the two countries after more than two years of negotiations.

He said discussions began in 2024 under former Prime Minister Charlot Salwai and involved government officials, the National Security Council, the Council of Ministers and appointed ministers before the agreement was finalised.

“The Nakamal Agreement is not in any way giving away our independence or sovereignty. It is a roadmap for renewed cooperation between Vanuatu and Australia,” Mr Napat said.

Agreement built on seven key pillars

Mr Napat said the agreement focuses on seven priority areas, including economic transformation, job creation, climate resilience, health, education, infrastructure, mobility, security and people-to-people connections.

He said Australia will continue supporting Vanuatu through budget assistance while expanding opportunities through traineeship programmes and the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, allowing more young Ni-Vanuatu to gain skills and employment.

He also said subsidiary agreements will now be negotiated to implement many of the commitments contained in the framework.

Blackbirding recognition included

The Prime Minister described the inclusion of blackbirding in the agreement as one of its most significant achievements.

He said it is the first agreement between Vanuatu and Australia to formally acknowledge the historical impacts of blackbirding and commits both countries to strengthening cultural connections between affected communities.

“The agreement includes a specific clause that will address our past, particularly blackbirding, and strengthen cultural connections between our people,” he said.

Visa discussions to continue

Mr Napat acknowledged that many Ni-Vanuatu want easier travel to Australia.

He said although there is currently no visa waiver agreement, both governments will continue discussions on improved travel arrangements, including the possibility of visa-on-arrival access for Ni-Vanuatu.

He said visa arrangements would form part of future subsidiary agreements under the Nakamal framework.

Government rejects consultation criticism

Responding to criticism that there had been insufficient consultation, Mr Napat said negotiations lasted more than two years precisely because the government wanted every clause carefully reviewed.

He said officials, the National Security Council, the Council of Ministers and appointed ministers were all involved before Cabinet authorised the agreement.

‘Consultation does not mean permission’

Mr Napat also addressed concerns over a clause requiring Vanuatu to consult Australia on proposed third-party involvement in critical infrastructure.

He stressed that consultation does not give Australia decision-making authority over Vanuatu.

“Consultation does not mean permission. Consultation does not mean approval. At the end of the day, Vanuatu has the sovereign right to decide what is in its best interests.”

He said the government sought legal advice on the wording, which confirmed that consultation would not undermine Vanuatu’s sovereignty.

No military bases in Vanuatu

The Prime Minister reiterated that the agreement respects the sovereignty of both countries and reinforces Vanuatu’s existing policy against foreign military bases.

He said Vanuatu remains the only Pacific country with legislation protecting its critical infrastructure from militarisation and outside military influence.

Vanuatu ‘will not choose sides’

Mr Napat said Vanuatu would continue to pursue an independent foreign policy despite growing geopolitical competition in the Pacific.

“We do not take sides. We will always defend what is in the best interests of Vanuatu as a sovereign country.”

He also confirmed Cabinet has authorised him to sign the proposed Namele Agreement with China, adding that the agreement will be released publicly once it is signed.

Chiefs have a role to play

Responding to concerns raised by the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs over the use of the word “Nakamal”, Mr Napat said the term belongs to all Ni-Vanuatu and symbolises a place where everyone is welcome to resolve issues through dialogue.

He said chiefs would continue to play an important role under the agreement, particularly in strengthening cultural and people-to-people connections between Vanuatu and Australia.

The Nakamal Agreement was signed in Canberra on Monday by Prime Minister Jotham Napat and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. It will enter into force once both countries complete their domestic legal processes.