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