Port Vila, Vanuatu – 22nd August 2025- Prime Minister Jotham Napat has told the different Heads of Missions attending the 11th meeting this week in Port Vila that Vanuatu's foreign service remains united in vision, committed to its core principles, and driven by service to the nation.

    He delivered the remarks yesterday at the conclusion of the three-day Heads of Mission meeting.

    The Prime Minister emphasized that the country's foreign policy is built on the principle that Vanuatu is a friend to every nation-state, a philosophy deeply embedded in its culture and tradition.

    "Vanuatu is not a foe, but a friend to everyone, to every single nation-state. This is the DNA of Vanuatu's long-standing foreign policy, heavily embedded in our culture and fasen," said Prime Minister Jotham Napat.

    The consultations focused on implementing the Government's 2025 priorities, including post-disaster recovery, economic growth, governance reform, education, health, and climate change advocacy.

    He reaffirmed the Government’s overall commitment to supporting the Foreign Service and ensuring that limited resources are used strategically and transparently.

    Prime Minister Napat also commended Ambassador Sumbue Antas for his distinguished service in Geneva, highlighting the importance of reinvesting the vast experiences of institutions and individuals for the common good of the Foreign Service.

    "Your value as a Heads of Mission or Consul General will always be measured not by the number of meetings attended or the weight of agreements signed, but by the impact you deliver to the People of the Republic of Vanuatu," said Prime Minister Napat, urging the diplomats to prioritize post-disaster recovery, economic growth, governance reform, education, health, and climate change advocacy in their work. He also stressed the importance of defending Vanuatu's sovereignty, particularly in relation to its maritime boundaries.

    The Prime Minister concluded by thanking the diplomats for their participation and service, and wished them safe travels as they returned to their postings.

    Vanuatu's National Hospital, formerly known as Vila Central Hospital, commemorates its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of dedicated healthcare service to the people of Vanuatu.
     
    Since its opening on August 23, 1975, by Mrs. Roger Houssemayne Du Boulay, the hospital has undergone significant transformations, growing from a colonial facility with a handful of doctors and nurses to a thriving institution with a robust team of local medical professionals. The hospital's foundation stone was laid by His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent on September 8, 1969, and the new facility was dedicated by Reverend William Tamara, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of the New Hebrides.
     
    Today, the hospital boasts an impressive team of 86 local doctors, including 16 specialists, and numerous trained medical professionals. The Government of Vanuatu and donor partners, such as Japan and Australia, have provided critical support, including the provision of a CT Scan, Mammogram, and Kidney Dialysis.
     
    Prime Minister Jotham Napat emphasized the need to continue developing human resources in medical sciences to meet the growing demands of the healthcare sector. "We are committed to strengthening our healthcare system and ensuring that our people have access to quality medical care," he said.
     
    As part of the celebrations, key signings were witnessed to address the long-standing need for a proper hospital sewage treatment plant. Kramer will construct this essential facility, with contract signing scheduled for next week.
     
    "We are grateful for the support of our government and donor partners, and we look forward to the next chapter in the hospital's journey," said Prime Minister Napat. "We will continue to work to provide quality healthcare services to the people of Vanuatu."
     
    The 50th anniversary celebration is a testament to the dedication and hard work of healthcare workers, past and present, who have contributed to the hospital's growth and success

    On August 13th 2025, marked a significant milestone in the relationship between Australia and Vanuatu with the finalization of what is now known as the Nakamal Agreement. The agreement is the result of hard-fought negotiations - intensified in March this year with the strong leadership of the Prime Minister - Jotham Napat, after Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong had visited Vanuatu.
     
    The Nakamal Agreement signifies a mutual respect and understanding rooted in the core values that Vanuatu has stood for since independence.
    It stands in stark contrast to the previous agreement of 2022.
     
    The initial Bilateral Security Agreement signed by a previous government did not carry the support of the Government Caucus and Parliament at that time.
     
    The agreement was initiated when current Deputy Prime Minister, Johnny Koanapo was Minister for Internal Affairs until 2024 with Senator Marles. It's fitting, therefore, that he co-initialed the agreement with the three Australian cabinet Ministers today. He says the Nakamal Agreement embodies the spirit and practice of a meeting place, one symbolizing the meaning of Canberra which is also a meeting place similar to what we refer to as Nakamal.
     
    The negotiations, which began with the DG of Internal Affairs Leith Veremaito working on the first draft of pillars with Dr. Jason Thomas, focused on creating transformational investments through commercial policy. The negotiations continued through exchanged visits at both Ministerial and official levels.
     
    The agreement was initialed at the crater of Yasur, symbolizing its strong emphasis on mutual respect and common understanding. The ceremony's location also highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity and respect in the partnership between the two nations.
     
    The agreement will be presented to the government caucus and Council of Ministers (COM) before formal signing by Prime Minister Jotham Napat and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese next month.
     
    A team of government officials, led by the Director-General of the Prime Minister's Office, George Maniuri, played a crucial role in the negotiations, which began in early March and concluded this morning at the highest level at the Whitegrass Ocean Resort.
     
    While details of the agreement will be known in the days ahead, concrete steps are being made towards simpler access to Australia for Vanuatu citizens
    This development is expected to strengthen ties between the two nations and facilitate greater cooperation in various areas.
     
    The Nakamal Agreement represents a new chapter in the relationship between Australia and Vanuatu says Prime Minister Napat, one built on mutual respect, trust, and shared values.
    It is a testament to the commitment of both nations to work together in a spirit of partnership and cooperation

    Monday 4rd August, 2025 – On July 23, 2025, Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat and Deputy Prime Minister Johnny Koanapo Rasou met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris for bilateral discussions.

    Amongst a host of many other key issues of mutual interest, high on the bilateral discussions was the outstanding issue of the maritime boundary delimitation and sovereignty over the two southern islands of Umaenupne/Matthew and Leka/Hunter, within Tafea province.

    Prime Minister Napat and President Macron have agreed to maintain an open and constructive dialogue, aiming for an amicable resolution to the sovereignty over the two islands.

    The leaders have instructed their negotiating teams to engage in discussions as soon as possible, with the first round of resumed negotiations to be held in Port Vila this autumn and the second round in France before the end of the year.

    This commitment aims to promote regional cooperation, stability, and strengthen the bilateral relationship between Vanuatu and France.

    A joint communique has been released publicly to inform citizens of both countries of the progress made so far.

    Download Communique (ENG) Download Communique (FR)

    Port Vila, Vanuatu - July 21st, 2025 – Prime Minister Jotham Napat is leading a high-level delegation to France this week for a crucial high level dialogue with French President Emmanuel Macron. The meeting aims to strengthen bilateral relations, explore new opportunities for cooperation, and discuss key issues of mutual interest.

    The Prime Minister left the country on Sunday 20th of July and in his absence, the Minister of Agriculture Ian Wilson, is the Acting Prime Minister.

    Deputy Prime Minister Johnny Koanapo Rasou Nies who left earlier on Friday will also join Prime Minister Napat for the high-level dialogue with President Macron.

    Notably, Deputy Prime Minister Nies- in his capacity as the Minister for Finance and Economic Management, has other engagements, but has a key stop in Toulouse, France to meet with Airbus authorities.

    In addition to the meeting with President Macron, the Vanuatu delegation is scheduled to meet with heads of prominent financial institutions, including Bred Bank and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD). These meetings will focus on strengthening relationships, identify investment opportunities, and discuss potential collaborations.

    The visit underscores the importance of the relationship between Vanuatu and France.

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