Australian Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs, The Hon Duncan Kerr MP
- 10 November, 2008
- Media Release, Official visit to New Caledonia
On 11 November 2008, I will travel to New Caledonia with the French Secretary of State for Overseas France, Mr Yves Jégo, at Mr Jégo’s invitation. This will be the first visit by a member of the Rudd Government to the French collectivity of New Caledonia, which is one of our nearest neighbours in the Pacific region.
Australia strongly supports the Noumea Accord, aimed at building a peaceful future for all New Caledonians, under which New Caledonia and France have committed to a democratic and progressive transfer of autonomous powers.
In recent years, as a result of New Caledonia’s increasing autonomy, relations between Australia and New Caledonia have broadened and strengthened. We have warmly welcomed New Caledonia's interest in becoming more involved in the region and were pleased to support New Caledonia’s Associate Membership of the Pacific Islands Forum, achieved in 2006. Australia and France enjoy a productive and cooperative relationship in the region and we share similar aspirations for the Pacific: long term stability, cooperation, economic growth and development.
During my visit, I will attend a Remembrance Day ceremony commemorating those from New Caledonia, France and Australia who have died in world conflicts. I look forward to meeting Mr Yves Dassonville, French High Commissioner to New Caledonia, Mr Harold Martin, the President of the Government of New Caledonia, along with other leaders in New Caledonia.
While in New Caledonia, I will take the opportunity to visit mining projects in the Northern and Southern Provinces, in which Australian business is playing an important role. This development is aimed at the crucial rebalancing of economic activity between the capital, Noumea, and other parts of New Caledonia foreseen in the Noumea Accord and essential for social stability. Australia has world-class mining expertise, and we are naturally keen to contribute to the development of New Caledonia’s nickel industry and other sectors of its economy.
I will also have the opportunity to address French Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Prefects from around the Pacific and the President of French Polynesia, Mr Gaston Tong Sang, at the French Pacific Regional Cooperation Meeting. I will use the occasion to outline the Government’s new approach to the Pacific, through which we are seeking to strengthen our engagement and build positive and productive relations with our neighbours, based on mutual trust and respect. I will reinforce our support for ongoing close cooperation with France and its collectivities in the region.
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Media inquiries: Mr Kerr's office 02 6277 4991 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555