MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
The new Pacific Regional Aid Strategy (2004-2009) outlines Australia's robust and cooperative approach to supporting peace and development in the Pacific region.
The strategy aims to add value to Australian aid delivery and planning in the Pacific and reflects the changes in the past two years in Australia's engagement with Pacific nations.
Australia's adoption of a more robust and concerted approach to providing assistance was most apparent in our leadership of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Island (RAMSI).
Following a request from Solomon Islands Government, RAMSI saw Australia and Pacific island countries acting together in their own common interest.
However, the rationale at the heart of Australia's changed strategic approach does not stem only from the serious situation in Solomon Islands. The new strategy's more focussed approach also responds to broader concerns among Pacific countries.
It is an unambiguous response to the wider deterioration in international security and growing trans-national challenges. The strategy comprehensively addresses problems of governance, development, economic growth and law and order that affect the region.
Australia's assistance to Pacific countries will continue to be tailored to specific country situations and to recognise the limits to self-reliance that some countries face. But at the same time there will be a greater emphasis on practical regional approaches.
As the largest and most economically experienced and prosperous member of the Pacific Islands Forum, there is a clear obligation on Australia to help our Pacific neighbours meet these challenges.
Australia's Pacific Regional Aid Strategy 2004-09 can be found at:
http://www.ausaid.gov.au/publications/pdf/pacific_regional_strategy.pdf
Media inquiries:
Chris Kenny (Minister's office) 02 6277 7500 or 0419 206 890
Dominic Morice (AusAID) 02 6206 4220 or 0417 683 126