Australian High Commission
Honiara
Solomon Islands

Minister of Foreign Affairs Visit to Solomon Islands, Nauru and Vanuatu

16 December 2013

Minister of Foreign Affairs Visit to Solomon Islands, Nauru and Vanuatu

Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop will lead a bipartisan delegation to Solomon Islands, Nauru and Vanuatu on 16-19 December.

In Solomon Islands, Ms Bishop will meet Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo to discuss Australia's leadership of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands, and how our aid support is improving the lives of Solomon Islanders. She will meet senior members of the Australian business community to discuss how to increase trade and investment ties, and will also visit the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands.

In Nauru, Ms Bishop will meet President Waqa and visit aid projects, including a local high school and technical training centre. She will also visit the Offshore Processing Centre.

In Vanuatu, Ms Bishop will meet Prime Minister Carcasses and Foreign Minister Natapei. She will launch two projects to boost economic development, and visit the Vanuatu Women's Centre for a discussion with women leaders.

Ms Bishop's visit will particularly focus on how Australia can help to remove barriers to women's participation in the formal economy throughout the region.

Ms Bishop will be accompanied by Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Senator Brett Mason; the Hon Tanya Plibersek; the Hon Matt Thistlethwaite; and Australia's Global Ambassador for Women and Girls, who will be announced prior to departure.