Australia, Tuvalu sign pact allowing relocation of Tuvaluans amid climate threats

By Necva Tastan

ISTANBUL (AA) - Australia and Tuvalu have inked an agreement that offers Tuvaluans the chance to relocate and settle in Australia, a move in response to the growing threat of climate change.

The announcement was made by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Tuvalu Prime Minister Kausea Natano during the Pacific Islands Forum in the Cook Islands on Friday.

“Australia and Tuvalu are family. And today we are elevating our relationship to a more integrated and comprehensive partnership,” said Albanese on X.

“Prime Minister Natano and I signed a treaty that will safeguard Tuvalu’s future while respecting sovereignty, to be known as the ‘Falepili Union,’” Albanese added.

He emphasized that the partnership is a recognition of climate change as the most significant threat to Tuvalu's inhabitants, pledging Australia's collaboration in climate adaptation, work arrangements, and security.

According to Canberra-based Sbs News, under this agreement, Australia will accept 280 Tuvaluans annually through a special visa program.

Tuvalu, located in the center of the Pacific community, east of the Solomon Islands and north of Fiji, has a population of 11,000 citizens, with a significant diaspora in Australia and New Zealand.

Additionally, the leaders announced the signing of a security pact.

"It is a guarantee that upon a request from Tuvalu for any military assistance based upon security issues, Australia will be there. So, it's a clear guarantee that that will be the case and we think that is appropriate," Albanese said.

However, Albanese and Natano did not further explain and share the details of the security agreement. Tuvalu is one of those nations that recognized Taiwan.

When asked about Australia’s potential military presence in Tuvalu, Albanese assured that any engagement would be "constructive," according to a transcript on the Australian prime minister's website.

*Islamuddin Sajid contributed to this story