Tourism Ministers from the Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Palau and the Republic of the Marshall Islands will meet in Canberra today for a summit to discuss aviation connection in the North Pacific.
Connectivity remains a key challenge for North Pacific states, now more than ever due to global disruptions in the fuel supply chains due to conflict in the Middle East.
The North Pacific Aviation Summit will focus on the North Pacific Connector (NPC) – a flight service launched by the Albanese Government in 2022 in response to calls from the region for better regional air connectivity.
Since 2022 the NPC has connected thousands of people to jobs, health care, education and families across the Pacific region.
This important service links Australia to the countries of the North Pacific, and the countries of the North Pacific to their neighbours.
At today’s summit, Ministers will discuss working together to make the North Pacific Connector more efficient, and put it on a pathway to long term sustainability.
Australia is continuing to work together with Pacific countries to deliver our shared vision for a more connected, prosperous and resilient region.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Pat Conroy:
“Aviation is vital to connecting the North Pacific, supporting tourism, trade and cultural exchange.
“Great to meet North Pacific Ministers in Canberra today to discuss how we can work together to make the NPC an even better service for the people of our region, and put it on a path to long term success.
“This is another example of Australia listening to regional voices and working with our friends to build a prosperous, connected region.”