Today we will travel to Funafuti for the second bipartisan Pacific visit of this term, to demonstrate Australia's deep and enduring connection with Tuvalu.
We will meet Tuvalu Prime Minister, the Hon Feleti Teo OBE, and his Cabinet to take forward our shared vision for the Falepili Union.
The Falepili Union embodies Australia's approach to partnership in the region, by responding to Pacific needs, respecting sovereignty, addressing climate change and delivering Pacific-led solutions to our shared challenges.
We will visit the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project that has reclaimed and stabilised land to safeguard the future of Tuvaluans in the face of climate change.
As a member of the Pacific family, Australia knows that by listening to each other and by acting together, we can shape our region and our world for the better.
Quote attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:
"Australia and Tuvalu are working together to navigate our shared challenges, particularly climate change, and to protect the future of Tuvalu's people, identity and culture.
"Australia's partnerships with our Pacific neighbours are critical to Australia's security, and to the security, safety and prosperity of our region as a whole.
"The government and opposition visiting together is a clear statement to the region, that Australia is a steadfast partner in ensuring a region that is peaceful, stable and prosperous."
Quote attributable to Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham:
"In a spirit of bipartisanship I look forward to listening, engaging and working with the government and people of Tuvalu. Australia's commitment to our Pacific neighbours is enduring, based on mutual respect and deep friendship.
"The close ties between our nations embody cooperation in fields such as health, education, finance, climate change and security. They strengthen the ability of Australia and Tuvalu to overcome shared challenges together, and contribute to regional peace, prosperity and stability.
"Australia is stronger when we speak with one voice, which we emphatically do through these displays of bipartisan commitment to our Pacific Island neighbours. I welcome the Australian Government's continuance of these missions."
