Today I announce the appointment of Mr Brek Batley as Australia's first resident Ambassador to the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI). Australia's new diplomatic mission in Majuro reflects our ongoing commitment to a resilient and prosperous Pacific.
Australia has an enduring bilateral relationship with RMI. Australia was the second country to recognise RMI's sovereignty in 1987. We have a shared commitment to an open and prosperous North Pacific based on our common values.
Australia works closely with RMI on maritime security, water and oceans management, women's empowerment and climate change adaptation. Australia will provide a Guardian class patrol boat to RMI under our Pacific Maritime Security Program in 2022. We are also working with regional partners to support RMI's response to COVID-19 and liaising closely with RMI during its three-year term on the United Nations Human Rights Council.
Mr Batley is a career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was most recently Deputy High Commissioner in Islamabad. He has also served in Papua New Guinea and Afghanistan and worked in the Office of National Assessments and Department of Defence.
Mr Batley holds a Master of Strategic Affairs from the Australian National University, a Bachelor of Arts (Indonesian) from the University of New South Wales, and a Graduate Certificate in Humanitarian Leadership from Deakin University.
