Australia and New Zealand have reaffirmed their commitment to Pacific-led regionalism, climate action and security cooperation, pledging stronger support for Pacific priorities ahead of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Palau later this year.
In a joint statement following the Australia-New Zealand Leaders’ Meeting 2026 in Queensland, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the peace, stability and prosperity of Pacific nations and territories were closely linked and required continued cooperation through regional institutions.
The two leaders reaffirmed their support for the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) as the region’s premier political body and committed to working alongside Pacific countries to advance regional priorities.
“Prime Ministers recognised that the peace, stability and prosperity of all countries and territories in the Pacific is interconnected. As founding members of the PIF, they reaffirmed their commitment to working in partnership with fellow Pacific countries and supporting Pacific-led regionalism, with the PIF at the apex of Pacific-led regional architecture.”
The leaders also committed to supporting Palau’s hosting of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in 2026, while Albanese welcomed New Zealand’s hosting of the Forum in 2027.
Climate change featured prominently in the discussions, with Luxon welcoming Australia’s efforts to elevate Pacific concerns on the global stage through its role as COP31 President of Negotiations.
“Prime Minister Luxon welcomed Australia’s leadership to amplify Pacific voices on the impacts of climate change through its role as COP31 President of Negotiations, and by partnering with Fiji and Tuvalu to deliver the Pacific Pre-COP and Leaders’ Event in October.”
Albanese thanked New Zealand for supporting the Leaders’ Event and both leaders reaffirmed their backing for the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and its implementation plan.
They also reiterated support for the Blue Pacific being recognised as an Ocean of Peace and called on international partners to engage with the region in ways that respect Pacific institutions and priorities.
“Prime Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the Pacific’s priorities set out in the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and its Implementation Plan, as well as to the Blue Pacific being an Ocean of Peace. They called on the international community to engage in the Pacific in ways that respect and strengthen regional norms and institutions, and respond to Pacific-led approaches to peace and security.”
Security cooperation was another major focus, with the leaders highlighting the growing role of regional policing and defence mechanisms.
Reflecting on Luxon’s visit to the Pacific Policing Initiative (PPI) Hub in Brisbane’s Pinkenba suburb on 05 June, the leaders acknowledged the work of the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police, the PPI and the Pacific Police Support Group (PPSG) in strengthening regional policing capabilities.
“Prime Ministers acknowledged the important role of the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police and the PPI in enhancing strategic collaboration and policing capabilities in the region, and the Pacific Police Support Group (PPSG) in providing a Pacific-led response to regional challenges.”
Albanese also welcomed New Zealand’s offer to host PPSG observers during the 2027 Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting.
The two leaders praised the establishment of the Pacific Response Group (PRG), describing it as a regional asset designed to improve Pacific-led responses to disasters and humanitarian emergencies.
“Prime Ministers commended the establishment of the Pacific Response Group (PRG) as a regional asset bringing together regional militaries to strengthen Pacific-led responses to Pacific humanitarian crises and disasters.”
Albanese welcomed New Zealand’s decision to assume hosting responsibilities for the PRG headquarters from Australia on 01 July 2026.
The leaders noted recent progress in regional security cooperation, including the endorsement of a Regional Operations Deployment Framework by Pacific security officials for consideration by Forum leaders.
Both governments also expressed concern about the growing threat posed by transnational, serious and organised crime across the Pacific.
“Prime Ministers acknowledged the impact of transnational, serious and organised crime (TSOC) on Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, and confirmed that combatting TSOC, including drug trafficking to and through the Pacific, is a shared challenge and an urgent priority.”
The leaders backed calls from Pacific Islands Forum leaders for a coordinated regional response to organised crime and welcomed progress made through the inaugural Pacific Police Ministers’ Meeting and Transnational Crime Summit held in Fiji.
They further highlighted the importance of close coordination in monitoring maritime areas and addressing risks posed by military vessel activity and illicit drug trafficking at sea.
The statement also recognised a series of new bilateral security arrangements across the Pacific.
Albanese welcomed the Niue-New Zealand Political Declaration and the Cook Islands-New Zealand Declaration on Defence and Security, while Luxon welcomed Australia’s Pukpuk Treaty with Papua New Guinea and Canberra’s ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships with Vanuatu, Fiji, Tonga and Solomon Islands.
The joint statement signals continued alignment between Australia and New Zealand on Pacific security, climate action and regional cooperation as both countries seek to deepen engagement with Pacific nations through Pacific-led institutions and frameworks.
