AGP Executive Report

Pacific Security Diplomacy: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese begins a three-day Pacific tour, expected to sign Fiji’s Vuvale Union agreement in Suva and then push Solomon Islands treaty talks—building on recent security and economic deals, including the Nakamal Agreement with Vanuatu that bars foreign military bases on Vanuatu territory and expands Australia’s policing and support role. Vanuatu Chiefs Push Back: The Vanuatu Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs says the word “Nakamal” was adopted without proper national consultation, even while not opposing the deal itself, after the agreement was signed in Canberra by Vanuatu PM Jotham Napat and Albanese. Regional Governance: Pacific Islands Forum Troika leaders (Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale, Tonga PM Lord Fakafanua, and Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr.) reaffirm plans to evolve regional institutions ahead of the 55th Leaders Meeting in Palau, with climate action and Suva Agreement implementation on the agenda. Border Security Focus (Vanuatu): Vanuatu’s first National Summit on Border Security and Preparedness for Emerging Drug and HIV Threats is set for 7–8 July in Port Vila, aiming to coordinate a national response across border agencies. Fisheries Talks: The 25th Forum Fisheries Committee Ministerial Meeting concluded in Wellington, adopting priorities for Pacific fisheries cooperation and backing a new ministerial chair for 2026–2027. Climate Youth at Vanuatu Forum: Youth at the Pacific Innovation Forum on Climate and Environment in Vanuatu are calling for child-centred climate decision-making, arguing young people need real power and resources to lead solutions.

Australia–Vanuatu Security Pact: Vanuatu’s Prime Minister Jotham Napat signed the revised Nakamal Agreement in Canberra, but chiefs are pushing back over the use of “nakamal” without wider consultation, warning it’s a culturally significant national symbol. Border Security: Vanuatu’s Internal Affairs Minister Andrew Solomon Napuat announced the first National Summit on Border Security and Preparedness for Emerging Drug and HIV Threats in Port Vila on 7–8 July, aiming for a coordinated national response. Regional Oversight: Australia’s Joint Standing Committee on Treaties has started an inquiry into the Nakamal Agreement, including whether it advances Australia’s security interests in the Pacific. Pacific Capacity Building: Australia’s National Measurement Institute donated fuel measurement trolleys to six Pacific Island nations via the Pacific Islands Forum to improve fair fuel pump testing and protect government revenue. Maritime Skills: Vanuatu’s Jessica Maoh joined the SPC’s “Floating University” on the RV Tangaroa, training early-career Pacific ocean professionals on research and hazard-relevant ocean data. Governance & Justice: A NSW Supreme Court granted the Christian Brothers a national moratorium on abuse claims, pausing cases while a creditor scheme is approved—sparking fresh concern from lawyers for survivors.

Australia–Vanuatu Nakamal Agreement: Vanuatu and Australia have signed the long-delayed security and development pact in Canberra, with Australia backing policing, maritime security, intelligence, cyber and disaster response, while Vanuatu commits to keep its territory free of foreign military bases and to prioritise Pacific Islands Forum partners for assistance. Sovereignty & naming row: Vanuatu’s chiefs are again questioning the use of “Nakamal” without wider consultation, echoing earlier concerns raised after the first signing attempt. Parliamentary scrutiny: Australia’s Joint Standing Committee on Treaties has opened an inquiry into whether the Nakamal Agreement advances Australia’s security interests in the Pacific. Border security push: Vanuatu is preparing its first National Summit on Border Security and Preparedness for Emerging Drug and HIV Threats in Port Vila (7–8 July), aiming for a coordinated national response. Pacific capability support: Australia’s National Measurement Institute donated fuel measurement trolleys to Vanuatu and other Pacific nations to help regulators verify pump accuracy and protect fair trade. Regional resilience training: SPC and WFP ran a Humanitarian Warehouse Exchange in Brisbane for Pacific disaster logistics officers, including Vanuatu.

Australia–Vanuatu Security Deal: Prime Ministers Anthony Albanese and Jotham Napat signed the long-delayed Nakamal Agreement in Canberra, locking in deeper cooperation on policing, maritime security, intelligence, cyber, disaster response and renewable energy, while requiring Port Vila to consult Australia on third-party involvement in critical infrastructure and keeping it “free from militarisation” and “unauthorised access.” Sovereignty & “Nakamal” Name Debate: Vanuatu’s chiefs’ leadership has again questioned the use of “nakamal” without wider consultation, echoing earlier concerns raised after the first signing attempt. China Pushback: Beijing warned the pact shouldn’t be used for “geopolitical contest,” while also continuing police cooperation in Vanuatu despite the deal’s ban on foreign military bases. Regional Climate Voice: In Port Vila, youth and Save the Children NextGen ambassadors urged governments to put children at the centre of climate decisions at the Pacific Innovation Forum on Climate and Environment. Governance & Accountability: Vanuatu legal figure Marie-Noelle Ferrieux Patterson transferred her long-running practice to associates, marking a major milestone in the country’s legal and anti-corruption legacy. Pacific Trade Outlook: A major Pacific export survey says businesses are adapting—diversifying markets and using digital tools—even as finance access tightens.

Nakamal Agreement (Vanuatu–Australia): Australia and Vanuatu have finally signed the long-delayed Nakamal Agreement in Canberra, locking in deeper cooperation on policing, maritime security, intelligence, cyber capability, disaster response and renewable energy, while also stating Vanuatu will not allow foreign military bases and that its critical infrastructure must stay “free from militarisation” and “unauthorised access.” Sovereignty and wording fight: The deal is being framed as “balanced,” but earlier concerns about sovereignty and third-party investment controls appear to have shaped the final text, with Vanuatu’s leaders stressing consultation rather than a veto. Cultural backlash: Vanuatu’s Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs says the use of the term “Nakamal” in the agreement wasn’t properly consulted, calling for wider chief-level involvement. China’s response: Beijing has warned the pact shouldn’t be used for “geopolitical contest,” while also continuing police cooperation messaging in Port Vila—keeping pressure on the region’s security direction. Climate and youth push: In Port Vila, Pacific youth and Save the Children NextGen ambassadors urged governments to put children at the centre of climate decision-making at the Pacific Innovation Forum on Climate and Environment. Regional resilience funding: The Global Environment Facility has approved new Pacific climate adaptation projects, including for Vanuatu, to help communities and critical infrastructure handle flooding, sea-level rise and coastal erosion.

Australia–Vanuatu Security Deal: Canberra and Port Vila finally signed the Nakamal Agreement in Canberra, nearly 10 months after an earlier draft was rejected. It bars foreign military bases in Vanuatu and says critical infrastructure must stay free from militarisation, foreign interference and unauthorised access, while Australia becomes the primary policing and disaster-response partner with about A$500m support over a longer period. Sovereignty & Investment Tensions: The revised text is “balanced” but still gives Australia a consult role on third-party engagement in critical infrastructure—leaving questions about how much control Port Vila retains. China Pushback: Beijing warned the pact shouldn’t target third parties or be used for geopolitical “games,” after China’s own security cooperation with Vanuatu and police presence continued. Regional Governance & Climate: Pacific leaders and Indigenous advocates met in Vanuatu to strengthen Indigenous-led conservation and climate resilience, with youth calling for child-centred power in climate decisions. Disaster Readiness: SPC and WFP trained Pacific disaster logistics officers in Brisbane to speed warehouse operations during emergencies, including participants from Vanuatu.

Nakamal Agreement Signed: Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat and Australia’s Anthony Albanese signed the long-delayed Nakamal Agreement in Canberra, locking in a A$500m partnership and making Australia Vanuatu’s primary policing and disaster-response partner, while requiring Port Vila to consult Australia on any third-party involvement in critical infrastructure and keeping it free from militarisation, foreign interference, or unauthorised access. China Pushback: China warned the deal shouldn’t be used for “geopolitical games” or to target third countries, after Beijing’s own Namele security cooperation with Vanuatu and renewed police deployments in Port Vila. Climate Resilience Support: GEF approved four Pacific climate adaptation projects, including Vanuatu, to help communities and infrastructure handle flooding, sea-level rise, and coastal erosion. Disaster Readiness Training: SPC and WFP trained disaster logistics and warehouse officers from six Pacific countries, including Vanuatu, in warehouse operations and relief dispatch. Youth in Climate Policy: Save the Children and Pacific youth leaders urged child-centred solutions at Vanuatu’s Pacific Innovation Forum on Climate and Environment. Regional Politics: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale called for a stronger, more effective Melanesian Spearhead Group after talks with PNG’s James Marape.

Nakamal Agreement Signed: Australia and Vanuatu finally inked the long-delayed Nakamal Agreement in Canberra, locking in “no foreign military base” on Vanuatu soil and keeping critical infrastructure free from militarisation, foreign interference and unauthorised access, while Australia commits expanded economic and policing support (reported around A$500m) and a consult role on third-party investment in sensitive infrastructure. Sovereignty Fight Over Terms: The deal was watered down after Port Vila and coalition concerns that earlier drafts could restrict Vanuatu’s ability to attract infrastructure funding from other partners, including China. China Pushback: China’s foreign ministry warned Australia against “geopolitical games” and said cooperation with Pacific states should not target third parties, as Beijing continues to seek influence in the region. Regional Governance Focus: PM Matthew Wale used talks with PNG PM James Marape to call for a stronger, more effective Melanesian Spearhead Group to better deliver on regional political, trade and security priorities.

Australia-Vanuatu Nakamal Agreement: Australia and Vanuatu have finally signed a revised $500m economic and security pact in Canberra, with Vanuatu committing that no foreign military base or militarised infrastructure will be allowed on its territory, while Australia becomes the primary policing and security partner. Sovereignty vs influence: The deal is described as “watered down” after Port Vila previously balked at clauses that could have restricted third-party investment in critical infrastructure; the new text instead requires consultation with Australia on proposed third-party engagement in ports, aviation, energy and digital systems. China reaction: China warned Australia against “geopolitical games,” while the pact is widely seen as aimed at limiting Beijing’s growing security footprint in the Pacific. Governance backdrop: The signing follows months of tense negotiations after an earlier draft was rejected, and it comes as Vanuatu also pursues its own China-linked arrangements.

Nakamal Agreement Signing: Vanuatu PM Jotham Napat is in Canberra to meet Anthony Albanese and is set to sign a revised Nakamal Agreement later today, after months of sovereignty and critical-infrastructure concerns and a Port Vila pull-out; the updated deal drops key clauses aimed at limiting Chinese involvement in ports, airports and telecoms, while still positioning Australia as Vanuatu’s main security and policing partner. Regional Finance Access: Pacific governments are pushing to protect correspondent banking links through the Pacific Strengthening CBR Project, with steering committee talks in Majuro focused on payment mechanisms, anti-money laundering controls, resilience and service provider support. Pacific Security Debate: Australia’s Pat Conroy says strategic competition with China is permanent and claims China is seeking a permanent security presence via policing cooperation, while Australia argues security gaps should be filled by Pacific countries first. Climate Resilience Push: The inaugural Pacific Climate Summit ended with a joint commitment from California, Fiji, Guam, Hawaiʻi, Kiribati and Vanuatu to strengthen adaptation and resilience through deeper regional cooperation. Blue Pacific Cyber Scams: A new Pacific-wide warning flags the rise of organised online scam centres using coercion and forced labour, calling it a security threat the region can’t ignore. Vanuatu–France Islands Dispute: Vanuatu continues negotiations with France over the disputed Matthew and Hunter Islands, tying sovereignty claims to cultural and spiritual links and broader decolonisation tensions. Tourism Strategy: Vanuatu unveiled its 2026–2028 tourism marketing strategy in Port Vila, shifting from recovery to sustainable growth and regional connectivity.

Vanuatu–Australia Diplomacy: Vanuatu PM Jotham Napat is set to visit Canberra on 29 June for talks with Anthony Albanese on economic, security and development cooperation, as the two sides move toward signing a revised $500m partnership and a reworked Nakamal Agreement after sovereignty concerns. Regional Climate Cooperation: The inaugural Pacific Climate Summit in Hawaiʻi ended with a joint commitment to boost Pacific climate adaptation and resilience, with Vanuatu among participating jurisdictions. Vanuatu–France Islands Dispute: Vanuatu continues negotiations with France over the remote Matthew and Hunter Islands, framing the dispute as tied to cultural, spiritual and historical links. Melanesian Security & Trade: Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea signed a five-year framework agreement (2026–2030) covering development, infrastructure, security and trade, with leaders also discussing broader regional cooperation. PNG Food Security: Papua New Guinea faces severe Highlands food shortages as El Niño brings drought and frost, with Oxfam warning millions could be affected. New Caledonia Polls: Heavy security is deployed for New Caledonia’s provincial elections, including alcohol sales bans and reinforced policing around polling sites.

Vanuatu–Australia Diplomacy: Prime Minister Jotham Napat is set to visit Canberra on 29 June for talks with Anthony Albanese on economic, security and development cooperation, as the two sides move toward signing a revised $500m partnership and finalising the updated Nakamal Agreement. Nakamal Agreement Update: Vanuatu says the revised pact has been delayed over sovereignty, security and critical infrastructure wording, with Port Vila insisting it won’t sign anything that undermines its sovereignty. Regional Climate Cooperation: Vanuatu joined an inaugural Pacific Climate Summit with California, Fiji, Guam, Hawaiʻi, Kiribati and Weno, issuing a joint commitment to strengthen regional climate adaptation and resilience. Tourism Policy Push: Vanuatu launched its Tourism Marketing Strategy 2026–2028 in Port Vila, aiming to shift from recovery to sustainable growth and lift arrivals toward 120,000 overnight visitors by end-2026 and 150,000 by 2028. France Islands Dispute: Vanuatu renewed its push to reclaim remote Matthew and Hunter Islands from France, tying the sovereignty fight to cultural and spiritual links and broader decolonisation debates. Security Context: Australia’s Pacific minister says strategic competition with China is permanent, while Australia is open to a Pacific-wide security deal if it matches regional priorities.

Vanuatu–Australia Deal: Prime Minister Jotham Napat is set to travel to Canberra ahead of signing a revised Nakamal Agreement, after months of delays over sovereignty, security and critical infrastructure wording. Sovereignty Dispute: Vanuatu is also pressing France to hand back the remote Matthew and Hunter Islands, tying the negotiation to cultural and spiritual claims and wider decolonisation politics. Regional Security Debate: Australia says it’s open to a Pacific-wide security pact if Pacific leaders want it, while Pat Conroy warns China is seeking a permanent security presence via policing cooperation. Melanesian Cooperation: Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea signed a five-year Framework Agreement (2026–2030) covering trade, investment, infrastructure and security, with leaders also discussing a tailored free-trade concept and regional stability. Pacific Climate Push: Vanuatu joined a Pacific Climate Summit in Hawai‘i that ended with a joint commitment to strengthen regional resilience and adaptation. Vanuatu Tourism: Port Vila hosted the Vanuatu Tourism Market Forum and launched the 2026–2028 marketing strategy, aiming to shift from recovery to sustainable growth and boost arrivals.

Sovereignty Talks: Vanuatu is pressing France to hand back the disputed remote Matthew and Hunter Islands, arguing for deep cultural, spiritual and historical ties as formal negotiations continue and the dispute feeds into wider Pacific decolonisation debates. Regional Security & China: Australia’s Defence Industry and Pacific Affairs Minister Pat Conroy says strategic competition with China is permanent and warns Beijing is seeking a lasting security footprint, while Australia signals openness to a Pacific-wide security deal if it matches regional priorities. US Pacific Push: The US says it is ramping diplomatic, economic and security engagement across the Pacific to counter China, focusing on resilience and secure communications. Melanesian Cooperation: PNG and Solomon Islands signed a 2026–2030 Framework Agreement on Development and Economic Cooperation covering trade, investment, security, infrastructure and regional affairs. Vanuatu Visa Shock: Vanuatu has been excluded from Australia’s Pacific Engagement Visa ballot for 2026–27, with no official explanation, raising questions amid ongoing talks on a long-term security partnership. Climate Resilience: Vanuatu joined a Pacific Climate Summit in Hawai‘i with a joint commitment to regional adaptation and resilience. Tourism Strategy: Vanuatu launched its 2026–2028 Tourism Marketing Strategy, targeting 120,000 overnight arrivals by end-2026 and 150,000 annual visitors by 2028.

Pacific Security & China: Australia’s Pat Conroy says strategic competition with China in the Pacific is permanent, with Beijing seeking a lasting security footprint via policing cooperation—while Australia argues security should be provided “from the Pacific, for the Pacific.” Regional Diplomacy: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale met PNG’s James Marape in Port Moresby, signing a development and economic framework and floating a tailored free-trade concept that could extend to Vanuatu and Fiji. Pacific-wide Security Deal: Wale also raised with Anthony Albanese the idea of a Pacific-wide security pact; Conroy says Australia is open if it matches regional priorities. Vanuatu Visa Politics: Australia’s Pacific Engagement Visa ballot excludes Vanuatu for the 2026–27 intake, prompting questions in Port Vila amid ongoing talks on a proposed Nakamal Agreement. Climate & Resilience: The first Pacific Climate Summit ended with a joint commitment on regional adaptation and resilience, with Vanuatu among participating jurisdictions. Tourism Strategy: Vanuatu Tourism Office launched the 2026–2028 marketing strategy after the Tourism Market Forum, targeting 120,000 overnight arrivals by end-2026 and 150,000 by 2028. ADB Funding for Vanuatu: ADB will provide USD10m to strengthen Vanuatu’s project delivery, disaster resilience, and private-sector growth, including support for the project management unit and finance systems.

Climate & Resilience: The inaugural Pacific Climate Summit in Hawaiʻi ended with a joint commitment from California, Fiji, Guam, Hawaiʻi, Kiribati, Vanuatu and Weno to deepen regional cooperation on climate adaptation and resilience, drawing on local knowledge to protect coastlines, watersheds and communities. Tourism Strategy: Vanuatu’s Tourism Office has officially launched the 2026–2028 Vanuatu Tourism Marketing Strategy, unveiled at the 3rd Tourism Market Forum, targeting 120,000 overnight arrivals by end-2026 and 150,000 annual visitors by 2028, with a focus on aviation and key source markets including Australia. Development Finance: Vanuatu is set to receive a USD 10m ADB facility to strengthen project delivery, disaster resilience, private sector growth and sustainable economic development, including early support for the Project Management Unit and finance systems. Immigration Policy Watch: Australia’s Pacific Engagement Visa ballot for 2026–27 opens 1 July with up to 3,000 places, but Vanuatu has been excluded—sparking questions in Port Vila amid ongoing talks on a proposed long-term security partnership.