Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace says it is vital that Australia continues to strengthen Parliament-to-Parliament relations with Pacific Island friends and neighbours.
The Sunshine Coast MP will travel to the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea as part of a Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade delegation.
“We live in one of the most geo-politically unstable times since World War Two,” the Deputy Chair of the Defence Subcommittee said.
“It’s very important that as Members of Parliament, we engage with our colleagues in the Pacific Islands, to assure them that Australia is a good friend, and that Australia will continue to work with them.
“A prosperous Pacific is not only good for Pacific Island Nations, it’s good for Australia, and we’ll continue to work with our Pacific Island friends and neighbours.”
The delegates will be meeting with Members of Parliament from both countries and will talk with a variety of electoral management bodies, trade organisations and civil society groups.
The delegation is primarily about liaising with the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea about their electoral processes and ensuring open, free, and democratic elections.
“Australia can partner with our friends and neighbours in the region to promote democracy and the international rules-based order,” Mr Wallace said.