Joint statement: Australia-Nauru cooperation on critical transport infrastructure
Joint statement: Australia-Nauru
cooperation on critical transport
infrastructure
Monday, 28 February
2022: The
Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women,
Senator the Hon Marise Payne and the President of Nauru Lionel
Rouwen Aingimea met in Sydney to discuss further steps to deepen
the close and enduring bilateral partnership between our two
countries, and our shared commitment to strong and unified regional
institutions.
Both leaders committed to working
together to upgrade Nauru's international airport, to strengthen
Nauru's connectivity, safety and security.
Minister Payne announced Australia
would provide a $40 million grant finance package, including $30
million through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility
for the Pacific (AIFFP). This investment is a practical
demonstration of Australia's commitment to supporting critical
infrastructure in our region, in response to the priorities of
Australia's Pacific partners.
Australia's funding will support
the re-surfacing of Nauru's runway and the provision of vital air
traffic equipment to enable critical air transport services for
decades to come. The funding will also enable climate-resilient
upgrades to sections of the Nauru ring road. The project will
employ Nauruan workers and use local materials where possible, to
help stimulate Nauru's economy.
Today's commitment builds on the
joint announcement on 12 December 2021 of the partnership between
Nauru, Kiribati, Federated States of Micronesia, Australia, Japan
and the United States to build the East Micronesia Cable, which
will provide Nauru with internet connectivity through a submarine
cable for the first time.
President Aingimea and Minister
Payne discussed Australia's support for Nauru's COVID-19 response.
They shared concerns about enduring and emerging international
security threats, including deep concerns about Russia's unprovoked
and unacceptable aggression towards Ukraine. They reaffirmed both
countries' support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial
integrity.
Minister Payne also extended
congratulations to President Aingimea in advance of the formal
opening of the new Nauru High Commission in
Canberra.