The Hon Alex Hawke MP, Assistant Defence Minister and Minister for International Development and the Pacific, will today travel to the Federated States of
Micronesia where he will represent Australia at the inauguration of the country's new President, His Excellency David Panuelo.
To mark the inauguration, Minister Hawke will host a joint Australia-US event on HMAS Leeuwin.
Minister Hawke said he looks forward to working closely with President Panuelo to promote security and prosperity, with a focus on improving education outcomes and promoting women's empowerment.
"Increasing Australia's engagement with the Pacific is a key priority of the Australian Government," Minister Hawke said.
"Strengthening our ties with the important countries of the North Pacific, including the Federated States of Micronesia, is vital to stepping up our engagement in the Pacific.
"I am very pleased Australia is deepening our support for the Federated States of Micronesia under the Pacific Maritime Security Program, with two new Guardian-class patrol boats to be delivered in 2022," he said.
Minister Hawke will be accompanied by Pat Conroy MP.
