MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Smith
Australia will provide further support to the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat as part of our longstanding commitment to the Pacific region's premier political organisation.
Australia is a founding member of the Forum, and has supported the Forum Secretariat since its establishment. Australia has provided over $50 million to this important institution since 1988.
Today I signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Mr Tuiloma Neroni Slade, to provide core funding to support the operation of the Secretariat as well as for important Pacific–wide programs.
The Memorandum provides the Forum Secretariat with security of funding over the next two years (2010 and 2011).
Australia's support through this Memorandum acknowledges the key role the Forum plays for the nations and the people of the Pacific region.
Australia's contribution of over $10 million in the next two years will support the Secretariat in its core work of strengthening regional cooperation, security, economic growth and progress against the Millennium Development Goals.
Australia's contribution will accelerate the implementation of the Cairns Compact on Strengthening Development Coordination, agreed by Leaders at the August 2009 Pacific Islands Forum.
The Cairns Compact is an important commitment to drive more effective coordination of development resources, to lift the economic and development performance of the Pacific region and achieve real progress against the Millennium Development Goals.
Australia's contribution will also support the Pacific Island Trade and Investment Commission office in Sydney to develop trade, tourism and investment opportunities between Pacific countries and Australia.