The Hon Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy
Today, we welcome Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manele, Tongan Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua, Palaun President Whipps and the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Baron Waqa to Australia for a meeting of the PIF Troika in Brisbane.
The Albanese Labor Government will strengthen our commitment to backing Pacific-led climate solutions by investing a further $550 million for the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP).
At the invitation of the PIF Secretariat, Minister Bowen will join the PIF Troika, consisting of the current PIF Chair (Solomon Islands), incoming Chair (Palau) and outgoing Chair (Tonga), to discuss progress on arrangements for a special pre-COP hosted in the Pacific.
Minister Bowen will sign a Memorandum of Understanding on a Renewable Energy and Climate Partnership with Tonga, and meet with President Whipps to discuss climate solutions and progress of the Palau-Australia Renewable Energy Partnership.
Minister Wong will welcome Lord Prime Minister Fakafanua for his first visit to Australia since his election as Prime Minister in December 2025, and since Australia and Tonga committed to elevate our partnership through the Kaume'a Ofi agreement.
Minister Wong will also meet with Prime Minister Manele to discuss Australia's commitment to our economic, development and security partnership with Solomon Islands.
In discussions with President Whipps, Minister Wong will confirm Australia's support for Palau to deliver a successful and impactful PIF Leaders meeting later this year.
The AIFFP, Australia's major critical infrastructure provider, is already delivering 58 projects across 11 countries, including ports, airports, renewable energy infrastructure and undersea cables. For more information visit: The Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP)
Quotes attributable to Foreign Minister Penny Wong:
"Australia is backing Pacific-led climate solutions – investing in the Pacific Resilience Facility and in new energy partnerships.
"At a time of major global uncertainty, Australia's additional $550 million investment will deliver further critical infrastructure projects, with a particular focus on digital infrastructure development.
"As a founding member of the PIF, Australia is a reliable partner for the Pacific, working to shape a peaceful, stable and prosperous region."
Quotes attributable to Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen
"We are bringing the world to the Pacific to see climate impacts and solutions through the COP process.
"Climate action remains the greatest lever to protect the livelihoods, security and wellbeing of the people of the Pacific.
"Today Australia and Tonga strengthened our collaboration on renewable energy and climate action, delivering on Pacific priorities to cut emissions while cutting the cost of energy."
Media note: Imagery will be available via DFAT Media Library: FM Pacific Island Forum Troika meetings