Bipartisan visit to Solomon Islands, Samoa and Vanuatu

From 6th to 8th December we will travel to Solomon Islands, Samoa and Vanuatu, accompanied by Labor Senators and portfolio counterparts, the Hon Penny Wong and Claire Moore to emphasise Australia's bipartisan commitment to stability and economic growth in the Pacific.

We will meet with the Prime Ministers and Foreign Ministers of each country on a range of issues including regional stability, development challenges and emergency responses.

In Solomon Islands, we will reiterate Australia's continuing commitment to peace and stability after the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) withdraws in June 2017. We will also launch a $50 million program to foster private sector investment and inclusive economic opportunities.

In Samoa, we will highlight the climate change action Australia is taking and our increased investments in Samoa and the broader Pacific. We also announce $1.4 million in funding for emergency bridges, a $1 million contribution to the Samoa Agribusiness Support Project led by the Asian Development Bank and $1 million to support the Samoa Family Health Association.

In Vanuatu, we will review progress made in recovery and reconstruction since Tropical Cyclone Pam struck in March 2015. This will include Australia's $35 million long term recovery package focused in areas including education, health, tourism and gender. We will also announce the Government's investment of $1.5 million in 'msupply', an innovative project to map health facilities and manage the supply of essential medicines.

During the visit we will also sign new aid partnership agreements with Samoa and Vanuatu.