Newly appointed Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat has expressed Vanuatu’s desire to strengthen ties with the United States, calling for increased U.S presence in the Pacific region.
In his first official speech yesterday, Napat acknowledged the importance of international partnerships, stating that Vanuatu looks forward to building a stronger relationship with the U.S based on shared values and mutual interests.
“The Vanuatu Government is hoping that the United States of America will increase its presence in the Pacific Region after the review. In the same spirit, Vanuatu is looking forward to developing a strong partnership with the United States based on shared and common values and principles,” Napat said.
His remarks come at a time when geopolitical influence in the Pacific is growing, with major powers like the U.S, China, and Australia competing for stronger ties with island nations. Despite the Trump Administration’s suspension of USAID, the U.S has been increasing its engagement in the Pacific through new embassies, security agreements, and climate change initiatives.
Napat also acknowledged the support of development partners who have assisted Vanuatu over the years, emphasising the need to strengthen these relationships further.
As the new government takes office, its foreign policy approach will be closely watched, especially in how it navigates partnerships with global powers while maintaining Vanuatu’s independent stance in regional affairs.
PM Napat also took the opportunity to acknowledge the leadership of former PM Charlot Salwai for guiding the Government of Vanuatu until the formation of the new government Tuesday.
“We have faced a breakdown in our national airline, which disconnected many of the most populated areas in Vanuatu. The education sector has been in crisis due to teachers pursuing their rightful claims, which have greatly affected our children. We ended the year with an unforeseen natural disaster, one of the biggest disasters that Vanuatu has ever experienced,” Napat said.
Looking ahead to 2025, Napat reminded the nation of its motto, “Long God Yumi Stanap” as a Beacon of Hope for the country and assured citizens that the government he leads is dedicated to their welfare.
“I want to assure every citizen of the Republic of Vanuatu that the government I lead is your government. The outcome of the snap election shows that the coalition government I lead is fully committed to serving the national interest of all,” Napat stated.
The new PM emphasised that the coalition government would be performance-based, with regular assessments for state ministers and officials.
“If certain Director Generals (DGs) and Directors are not performing, they will be removed and held fully accountable to the Republic of Vanuatu,2 he said.
In terms of governance, Napat stressed that his government would operate transparently and deliver on its commitments. He assured the people of Vanuatu and development partners that despite challenges, the government would be serious about reforms that uphold good governance and the rule of law.
“No one is above the law of the Republic of Vanuatu. There will be no immunity for anyone who breaks the law. This government will work with transparency and accountability, ensuring that justice and fairness are upheld in all our decisions,” he said.
Napat also expressed confidence that his government represented a strong political arrangement for advancing Vanuatu’s interests and future.
“We are strongly committed to responsible leadership that delivers stability, growth, and progress in services provided to the people,” Napat concluded.
He extended his gratitude to coalition partners for their trust and reaffirmed his commitment to leading by example with sincerity, integrity, and dedication.
To Vanuatu’s development partners, he said, “We deeply value the development support provided to Vanuatu over the years. We look forward to strengthening and reinforcing these important relationships.
