[ad_1]
Raising Australia’s climate change goals will be welcomed when leaders meet at the Pacific Islands Forum in Fiji, according to the region’s federal minister.
Pacific Minister Pat Conroy said the federal government’s new climate goals were well supported by countries in the region and showed improved relations amid heightened tensions in the Indo-Pacific.
“The increase in our new actions against climate change was welcomed by the Pacific island nations,” Conroy told ABC Radio on Monday.
“Australia’s climate policy has a real enthusiasm and a clear reassurance that we have finally listened to the region’s priorities … it gives us a great opportunity to rebuild our relationship with the Pacific Ocean. Will give you.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will travel to a forum in Suva on Wednesday before returning to Australia on Friday.
The forum will bring together leaders from 18 member countries, including New Zealand, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Tuvalu.
As with climate change measures, regional security is on the agenda as China seeks to sign bilateral agreements with several countries.
Conroy said it is important for countries in the region to work closely on security issues.
“Pacific security should come from within the Pacific region. Pacific families should look for security needs from the Pacific and go to external partners only when they cannot meet,” he says. I did.
“It is very important to use the Pacific Islands Forum’s regional architecture to support security needs, rather than working with external partners.”
The new government had previously criticized its predecessor for “dropping the ball” in the Pacific Ocean.
The prime minister said he felt relief from Pacific leaders since the May election.
Since the election, Prime Minister Albanese has visited Japan, Indonesia, Spain, France and Ukraine to meet with world leaders and raise Australia’s position on the international arena.
The impact of climate change will also be discussed at the summit, including an increase in refugees fleeing Pacific countries, Conroy said.
“This is a real challenge and we are working hard to avoid climate change as much as possible through our commitment to international action,” he said.
“One of the aspects of climate change we have to deal with is the disappearing islands, and how to handle the movements around them is an important issue for the future.”
follow
Australian Associated Press is an Australian news agency.
[ad_2]