VISIT TO PALAU FOR MICRONESIA PRESIDENTS’ SUMMIT

I will visit Palau from 19 February to 21 February to represent the Australian Government at the 19th Micronesia Presidents’ Summit.

The Micronesia Presidents’ Summit is the key annual gathering from this important part of the Pacific, bringing together leaders and ministers from Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, Kiribati and Nauru.

My participation in this year’s summit will provide the opportunity to engage leaders and ministers from Micronesian countries on the issues affecting them and the region.

This will be my first visit to Palau but my third visit to Micronesia since becoming Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific.  It is a demonstration of the Government’s commitment to stepping-up Australia’s engagement in this key part of the Pacific.

The Prime Minister announced on 8 November 2018 that Australia will open new diplomatic posts in the Cook Islands, Niue, French Polynesia, Palau and the Marshall Islands.  As a result, Australia will be represented in all member countries of the Pacific Islands Forum, including all five Micronesian countries.