By Staff Writer
Australia’s Senator Penny Wong is reportedly flying to Samoa this week as the second Foreign Affairs Minister to visit in only a space of a few days.
China’s Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi was in Apia just before Independence Day, after signing a security agreement with the Solomon Islands that has not sit well with Australia.
The two Foreign Ministers have been on whirlwind diplomacy in the island states started with an eight-country visit that included Samoa by China’s high-level government official.
Australia’s senator Wong flew over at the time from a meeting in Japan for a two-day visit to meet with Fiji’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister.
Australian media described Ms. Wong’s rush visit to Fiji as “incredibly significant.
“The timing of this visit is incredibly significant given the geopolitical tensions in the region, particularly in the Solomon Islands in relation to that newly inked security deal between Beijing and Honiara,” Sky News reported.
Senator Wong wants “….to renew and strengthen Australia’s deep ties of friendship and family,” on her visit to Samoa and Tonga
“This is my second visit to the Pacific since being sworn in as Foreign Minister nine days ago,” she announced in a press statement before her scheduled departure for Samoa.
“I look forward to listening to leaders in Samoa and Tonga about how the Australian Government can best apply the new energy and resources we are bringing to the Pacific.
“We understand that we need to work together like never before, for our peoples and for generations to come.
“We want to make a uniquely Australian contribution to help build a stronger Pacific family – through social and economic opportunities including pandemic recovery, health, development and infrastructure support, as well as through our Pacific labour programs and permanent migration.
“We will increase our contribution to regional security: we understand that the security of the Pacific is the responsibility of the Pacific family, of which Australia is a part.
“We will stand shoulder to shoulder with our Pacific family in addressing the existential threat of climate change. And we will deepen cultural and sporting ties.
“In Samoa I will meet Head of State, His Highness Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aleto’a Sualauvi II and Prime Minister the Hon. Fiame Naomi Mata’afa. My visit coincides with the 60th anniversary of Samoa’s independence being celebrated this week.
“In Tonga, I will meet leaders including Prime Minister the Hon. Hu’akavameiliku and Foreign Minister the Hon. Fekitamoeloa ‘Utoikamanu. Australia played a leading role in the international response to January’s volcanic eruption and tsunami in Tonga, and I look forward to discussing what more we can do to help.”