The Hon Alex Hawke MP, Assistant Defence Minister and Minister for International Development and the Pacific, will today travel to Tuvalu to represent Australia at the 50th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), prior to Prime Minister Morrison's arrival in Tuvalu for the Forum Leaders' Retreat on 15 August.
The Pacific Islands Forum plays a critical role in driving regional cooperation to support a resilient, secure and prosperous Pacific.
Minister Hawke said he looks forward to discussions with leaders from across the region on the Forum theme "Secure our Future in the Pacific".
"Australia is committed to working closely with our partners to support the region's priorities as we step up our engagement with the region," Minister Hawke said.
"We are working hard on implementation of the Boe Declaration on Regional Security adopted at last year's Forum".
Minister Hawke congratulated the incoming Chair of the Forum, Tuvalu, on its hosting of this important regional meeting.
"By hosting the meeting, Tuvalu has generated a valuable opportunity to demonstrate the unique needs and development priorities of atoll states," Minister Hawke said.
"At the request of the Tuvalu Government, Australia is pleased to provide technical and logistics assistance to the 50th Pacific Islands Forum, including Australian Defence Force air transport to supplement the limited commercial air services available to bring delegates and essential supplies to and from Funafuti."
