Vanuatu says security deal with Australia to be ratified later this year

6/6/2023 18:53

        The Pacific Islands nation of Vanuatu said on Tuesday a security treaty with Australia would be put to parliament before the end of 2023, as concerns over
        China in the region saw neighbouring Papua New Guinea delay signing another such treaty.
        
        Vanuatu's Prime Minister Ishmael Kalsakau said, during a visit by Australia's Defence Minister Richard Marles, that a security treaty signed with Australia in December 2022 is still being examined.
        
        Some Vanuatu politicians who favour ties with China have expressed concern over the deal.
        
        Vanuatu's National Security Council was "going through the text" and it will next be considered by his government's Council of Ministers, Kalsakau said in Vanuatu's capital Port Vila.
        
        "It will be presented for ratification before the end of this year in Parliament," he said.
        
        Papua New Guinea (PNG) said a proposed security treaty with Australia will be delayed as it considers the impact on its sovereignty.