The Agence Française de Développement (AFD) has reaffirmed its support to the Government of Vanuatu following the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) last week.

The agreement sets a new direction for cooperation this year, marking the beginning of a multi-year partnership between AFD and the National Government. Under the framework, both parties will work together to address seven priority areas.

These include health, connectivity and resilient infrastructure, renewable energy, climate adaptation and resilience, natural disaster response, agriculture, water, urban development and other key sectors.

Speaking after the signing, Deputy Prime Minister Johnny Koanapo said AFD’s continued engagement demonstrates the long-standing relationship between Vanuatu and France.

He acknowledged that maritime boundary issues remain between the two countries but stressed that these matters should not undermine opportunities for collaboration.

“Vanuatu and France have a long relationship. We have our own issues to deal with in terms of maritime boundary matters, but that should not jeopardise the opportunity for economic and technical collaboration between our countries, our agencies, our institutions and our people,” he said.

Director of AFD’s Three Oceans Department, Matthiu Discour, who represented the agency at the signing, said AFD will align its support with the Government’s development vision.

“A new staff member is arriving next week to strengthen our team and ensure we can work closely on projects together. It is important that we build from your vision and make projects concrete. We need a clear framework, and that is the purpose of this MOU,” he said.

AFD has previously supported Vanuatu through various development projects. Last week’s signing marks a renewed commitment to deepen that partnership and continue supporting national development priorities in the years ahead.