politics
Australia and Vanuatu sign revised cooperation agreement
Australian and Vanuatu leaders signed the Nakamal Agreement on Monday after negotiations that followed a preliminary accord reached last year. The final text differs substantially from the earlier version.
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Australia and Vanuatu signed a bilateral cooperation agreement in Canberra on Monday.
Background to the agreement The two countries signed a security agreement in 2022 that was never ratified. Ministers initialed a preliminary deal in 2025 atop a volcano in Vanuatu. Negotiations continued after that ceremony. The final text was reported to be substantially revised from the preliminary version.
Issues during talks Talks were described as difficult over provisions that would have limited Vanuatu’s relations with China. China is also negotiating a bilateral deal with Vanuatu.
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