Port Vila, Vanuatu – 19 October 2026 –Vanuatu and Australia held the inaugural meeting of the Nakamal Committee on 15 October 2026 at Parliament House in Canberra.

The Vanuatu delegation was led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance and Economic Management, Hon. Johnny Koanapo, and included Minister of Youth, Justice and Community Services, Hon. Job Andy. They were welcomed by Australia's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Hon. Penny Wong, and Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Hon. Pat Conroy MP.

The Nakamal Committee is the new bilateral forum established under the Vanuatu-Australia Nakamal Agreement to oversee its implementation. The Agreement elevates the two countries’ bilateral relationship and deepens economic, security and people-to-people cooperation.

The Committee agreed on early priorities including budget support, strengthened policing cooperation, climate cooperation, and support for communities affected by El Niño and volcanic ash.

On infrastructure and economic transformation, the delegation met with the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) to discuss maritime and aviation infrastructure and rebuilding in Port Vila, Santo and Tanna. Both sides committed to early delivery of two renewable energy and water projects for remote schools and communities in Vanuatu.

On security, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful, stable and secure Pacific and Pacific-led approaches to security. Vanuatu reaffirmed that under the Nakamal Agreement, Australia is recognised as Vanuatu's longstanding primary policing partner. Vanuatu noted its policing arrangement with China is time-limited and expected to reduce, while the Nakamal Agreement is legally binding and enduring.

On cultural connections, the delegation received a Welcome to Country led by Aunty Serena Williams, and met with Australian South Sea Islander representatives and Australia's Ambassador for First Nations People. Together, they reflected on the shared history of blackbirding and discussed shared commitments to strengthen connections between First Nations, Australian South Sea Islander and ni-Vanuatu communities. This commitment to acknowledge the two countries' shared history, deepen dialogue and strengthen cultural connections is at the heart of the Nakamal Agreement.

Deputy Prime Minister Koanapo also held separate bilateral meetings with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP, as well as Minister for Home Affairs, the Hon Tony Burke MP. Australia outlined that Vanuatu would be exempt from increases to Australia's international student visa fees, for which Deputy Prime Minister Koanapo thanked Minister Burke. Koanapo also thanked Minister Burke for the Australian Government's strong commitment to protecting PALM workers' rights.

Both countries agreed the inaugural meeting marked an important step forward and will continue to work as equal partners, guided by mutual respect, trust and understanding, leading up to Vanuatu's 50th Anniversary of Independence in 2030.

The full statement on the outcome of the meeting is available at the below link: Nakamal Committee meeting Outcomes OR Nakamal Committee meeting outcomes statement | Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade