Tuvalu Prime Minister, Feleti Teo, on Monday presided over the official opening of the Tuvalu High Commission office in Canberra, marking a significant milestone in the diplomatic relations between Tuvalu and Australia.
This new diplomatic mission symbolises the commitment of both nations to fostering resilience and cooperation in the Blue Pacific region.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Teo stated, “Today is a very proud moment in Tuvalu’s diplomatic journey.
This opening reflects our renewed and deepened relationship with Australia, underscoring our shared commitment to a future of solidarity and mutual respect.”
He further emphasised the importance of this partnership by saying, “The Tuvalu High Commission to Australia stands not only as a symbol of our diplomatic presence but also as a testament to Australia’s commitment to the Blue Pacific Continent.”
The formalities included a traditional smoking ceremony and tree planting, signifying new beginnings and the strengthening of ties.
Prime Minister Teo highlighted the significance of the Falepili Union Treaty, stating, “This landmark agreement is not only a migration pathway but a legally binding commitment for Australia to support Tuvalu’s climate adaptation efforts and recognise our future statehood.”
He elaborated on the treaty’s implications, noting that it “legally commits Australia to come to the aid of Tuvalu in times of natural disasters, health pandemics, and military aggression.”
Prime Minister Teo underscored that the Tuvalu High Commission will greatly assist Tuvaluans in Australia, especially those working under labour schemes such as the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) programme.
“This office will provide vital support and advocacy for Tuvaluans, ensuring that their rights and welfare are prioritised so they can thrive in their endeavours abroad,” he stated.
“The Tuvalu High Commission is, therefore, key in implementing our commitments under the Falepili Treaty, championing climate cooperation, facilitating migration pathways, and coordinating security assistance,” he added.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence in the newly appointed High Commissioner, Samuelu Laloniu, stating, “We have full trust in our High Commissioner and his team to advocate for Tuvalu’s national interests and development priorities here in Australia.”
Teo closed his official statement by declaring the Tuvalu High Commission office in Canberra open.
Meanwhile, Australia has welcomed Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo.
During his visit, Prime Minister Feleti Teo will meet with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen, and Minster for Defence Industry and Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy, as well as other senior members of the government, to discuss the substantial progress made to implement our joint commitments under the historic Falepili Union Treaty, signed in 2023.
This includes the Falepili Mobility Pathway, which enables Tuvaluans to live, work and study in Australia.
The agreement is delivering on Tuvalu’s request to help safeguard its future from the worsening impacts of climate change, including through $47 million (US$30.64 million) in 2025-2026 for development assistance to support Tuvaluans to stay and thrive in their homeland.
Australia and Tuvalu will also sign a memorandum of understanding to establish the Tuvalu-Australia Renewable Energy Partnership as part of the $50 million (US$32.59 million) Australia-Pacific Partnership for Energy Transition (APPET), which will provide practical support to integrate high levels of renewables in line with Tuvalu’s Nationally Determined Contribution, while contributing to reliability, security and affordability.
The Tuvalu High Commission, located in Canberra, will enhance cooperation between our countries, and support a growing Tuvaluan diaspora in Australia, bringing the communities of Australia and the Pacific ever closer.
This is the first time Tuvalu has had diplomatic representation in Australia and is Tuvalu’s sixth diplomatic mission overall.
Teo will be visiting Australia from 25-31 July 2025.
Australia to Foreign Minister Penny Wong said: “We warmly welcome the new Tuvaluan diplomatic mission in Canberra for what is a historic moment in the deepening partnership between our two countries.
“The new high commission will provide valuable support to the Tuvaluan diaspora, as we deliver on our commitments under the Falepili Union. It is another reminder that we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Tuvalu as the impacts of climate change worsen.”
Australian Minister for Defence Industry and Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy said: “The opening of the High Commission is an important step in strengthening the friendship between Australia and Tuvalu.
“The Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union Treaty is the first agreement of its kind anywhere in the world and the most significant Pacific policy this country has undertaken in the last fifty years.
“It brings the people of both our countries closer together and it’s another example of the Albanese Government turning up and acting on the priorities of the people of the Pacific,” he said.
