Vanuatu says its policing arrangement with China is time-limited and expected to reduce over time, while reaffirming Australia as its longstanding primary policing partner under the Nakamal Agreement.

Vanuatu provided the update during the inaugural Nakamal Committee meeting, held at Parliament House in Canberra on 15 October 2026. The country also reaffirmed its commitment under the Agreement to prioritising policing requests from Pacific Islands Forum members.

According to the meeting outcomes statement published by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the Nakamal Agreement with Australia is legally binding and has no expiry date.

The meeting brought together a Vanuatu delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance and Economic Management Johnny Koanapo, and Minister of Youth, Justice and Community Services Job Andy. They were welcomed by Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy.

Early priorities under the Nakamal Agreement

The Nakamal Committee agreed on early implementation priorities, including budget support, stronger policing cooperation, climate cooperation and assistance for ni-Vanuatu communities affected by El Niño and volcanic ash.

The committee is a bilateral forum established under the Vanuatu-Australia Nakamal Agreement to guide implementation and support ongoing dialogue between the two governments.

The Agreement aims to deepen economic, security and people-to-people cooperation between Vanuatu and Australia. Vanuatu has completed its domestic processes for the Agreement, while Australia is continuing its domestic treaty-making processes.

Infrastructure and rebuilding priorities

During the meeting, the Vanuatu delegation met with representatives of the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific to discuss Vanuatu’s infrastructure priorities.

These included maritime and aviation infrastructure and rebuilding efforts in Port Vila, Santo and Tanna.

The two governments also committed to the early delivery of two renewable energy and water projects for remote schools and communities.

The projects are intended to provide renewable electricity, lighting and clean water to schools and community facilities, as well as solar-powered water supply systems to improve access to water.

Regional security and defence cooperation

Australia and Vanuatu reaffirmed their shared commitment to a peaceful, stable, prosperous and secure Pacific, including Pacific-led approaches to regional security.

Deputy Prime Minister Koanapo also held a bilateral meeting with Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles.

The two leaders discussed regional security priorities and challenges, alongside longstanding cooperation between the Australian Defence Force and the Vanuatu Police Force.

Their discussions included cooperation with the Police Maritime Wing through the provision of the vessels RVS Takuare and RVS Sokomanu.

Vanuatu’s update on its policing arrangement with China formed part of the broader discussions on regional security and implementation of the Nakamal Agreement.

Support for students and ni-Vanuatu workers

Koanapo also met with Australia’s Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke.

During the meeting, Burke outlined that Vanuatu would be exempt from increases to Australia’s international student visa fees.

Koanapo thanked the Australian Government for its commitment to protecting the rights of ni-Vanuatu workers participating in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. Burke reaffirmed that protecting PALM workers’ rights was a high priority for Australia.

Strengthening cultural connections

The meeting also addressed connections between ni-Vanuatu, Australian South Sea Islander and First Nations communities.

The Vanuatu delegation received a traditional Welcome to Country led by Aunty Serena Williams and met with Australian South Sea Islander representatives and Australia’s Ambassador for First Nations People.

The discussions reflected on the painful history of blackbirding and the shared commitment to acknowledge that history, deepen dialogue and strengthen cultural connections.

As part of this commitment, Minister Andy visited the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies.

Working towards Vanuatu’s Golden Jubilee

The inaugural Nakamal Committee meeting marked a step forward in implementing the Agreement and strengthening the relationship between Vanuatu and Australia.

Both countries will continue discussing and agreeing on implementation priorities in the lead-up to Vanuatu’s Golden Jubilee, marking 50 years of Independence in 2030.

The committee will guide implementation of the Agreement as the two governments work together on economic cooperation, security, climate response, infrastructure and people-to-people relations.