The small Polynesian state is the world’s lowest-lying nation and is threatened by climate change, according to its government and the United Nations.
In one of his first actions since arriving at the Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Tonga, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is prepped to meet with Tuvaluan counterpart Feleti Teo.
“It’s a groundbreaking arrangement in terms of foreign relations,” he said.
The treaty also has a security component, with Australia offering a guarantee that effectively commits to assisting Tuvalu in any defence or security-related matters.
“We will have a country that will be legally committed to come to the aid of Tuvalu when Tuvalu encounters a major national disaster or a major health pandemic, and also providing security guarantees,” Teo said.
Given Tuvalu’s 10,000-strong population, the migration pathway means that, in theory, the country’s entire population could move to Australia by the middle of the century if the effects of climate change come to fruition.
But the country’s prime minister doubts that this will happen.
“I think most of the people in Tuvalu will stay,” Teo said.
“For Tuvaluans that do live in Australia, at least they have the opportunity to benefit from whatever the Australian system and government offer their permanent residents.”
Since its announcement, the Falepili Union has attracted criticism from both outside and within Tuvalu.
Former Prime Minister Enele Sopoaga claimed it ceded the country’s sovereignty and was particularly critical of the fact that Australia stands to gain control of Tuvalu’s fishing rights and national security within its EEZ and territorial waters.
“The sovereign independent Nation of Tuvalu cannot and must not be used as ‘guinea pigs’ in the zero-some game being dangerously played by metropolitan powers in the Pacific,” Sopoaga said.
Albanese counters those concerns by pointing out that it was negotiated and signed at Tuvalu’s request.
“We recognise the climate crisis is the single greatest threat to the livelihoods, security and wellbeing of people in the Pacific,” he said in Rarotonga in 2023.
“We have listened to the needs of our Pacific neighbours and are committed to addressing shared challenges in partnership with Forum members.”
Aug. 28 will be Albanese’s first full day in Nuku'alofa, having skipped the opening days of the Forum, but in time for talks on the future of New Caledonia.
Meanwhile, Tuvalu will also seek support for a clause in the summit communique that decries sea level rise.
“Sea level rise is the most severe manifestation of climate change, and we need to tackle that front on,” Teo said, indicating he had in-principle support for the motion from Australia.
“I’m hoping that during the retreat, we'll be able to persuade the other foreign leaders to support a strong statement coming out of Tonga, specifically on sea level rise,” he said.
