Foreign Minister Julie Bishop visited Solomon Islands, Nauru and Vanuatu from 16-19 December to strengthen relations with the Pacific; a foreign policy priority for Australia.
'The Pacific region remains an important area of focus for the Australian Government. I am committed to building deeper relationships within the region,' Ms Bishop said.
In Solomon Islands, Ms Bishop met senior members of the Australian business community to discuss how to increase trade and investment ties. She and Prime Minister Lilo agreed to elevate the relationship between Australia and Solomon Islands by holding regular Ministerial talks.
In Nauru, Ms Bishop met President Waqa, senior government officials and women business and community leaders to talk about women's economic participation and empowerment. Ms Bishop also discussed improving education and employment opportunities for Nauruans through the Australian-funded technical and vocational training facilities.
In Vanuatu, Ms Bishop met Prime Minister Carcasses and Foreign Minister Natapei to launch projects to rehabilitate roads in remote parts of the country and help build the technical and business skills of ni-Vanuatu people.
'Our aid program is supporting Australian foreign and trade policy which is dependent on a safe, secure, and prosperous region. We will continue to fund a strong aid program in the Pacific region that will help alleviate poverty and lift the living standards of vulnerable people overseas,' Ms Bishop said.
During her visit, Ms Bishop announced up to $68 million in aid funding for the Pacific, including:
• $15 million over five years to the Pacific Business Fund to provide business advisory services to over 250 companies in the region;
• $5 million to help prevent family violence in Solomon Islands;
• Up to $37 million to help improve 350 kilometres of rural roads in Vanuatu; and
• $11 million for the third phase of a technical and vocational education program in Vanuatu to continue creating business growth in rural areas and opportunities for people to earn an income.
Ms Bishop also visited a number of Australian-funded programs, including the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI), Nauru Secondary School and the Vanuatu Women's Centre.
While at the women's centre, Ms Bishop discussed the challenges and opportunities for economic growth with female leaders and Australia's new Global Ambassador for Women and Girls, Ms Natasha Stott Despoja.
Ms Bishop was also accompanied on the visit by Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Senator Brett Mason, the Hon Tanya Plibersek and the Hon Matt Thistlethwaite.