The newly redeveloped Cook Barracks in Port Vila has officially opened, marking a significant milestone in the security partnership between Australia and Vanuatu.
The upgraded facilities were inaugurated by Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, alongside Vanuatu’s Prime Minister Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas, during Marles’ visit to the Pacific nation.
The upgraded barracks now include modern engineer and vehicle workshops, accommodation and training facilities, a fire station, chapel, medical centre, and improved road infrastructure and essential services.
These enhancements will boost the operational capabilities of the Vanuatu Police Force and Vanuatu Mobile Force, enabling them to better serve both the community and regional security efforts.
In his address at the opening, Deputy Prime Minister Marles emphasised the importance of Australia and Vanuatu’s partnership in fostering peace, security, and prosperity in the region. “Australia and Vanuatu’s security is intertwined,” said Marles.
“our partnership enhances the peace, prosperity, resilience and safety of our region for future generations.”
The redevelopment is part of a broader infrastructure partnership between the two nations, which also includes the recent upgrades to the Tiroas Barracks in Espiritu Santo Province, completed in March 2024. Together, these projects have created hundreds of jobs and provided skills training opportunities for the local ni-Vanuatu community.
The Cook Barracks redevelopment highlights Australia’s ongoing commitment to supporting the Vanuatu Police Force’s capabilities.
Marles stated, “These major projects demonstrate the importance of Australia and Vanuatu’s longstanding relationship and continuing commitment to working together.”
During his visit, Deputy Prime Minister Marles met with other key Vanuatu leaders, including Deputy Prime Minister Matai Seremaiah Nawulu, Minister of Internal Affairs Andrew Napuat, Minister of Finance Johnny Koanapo, and Minister of Lands Marco Rick Mahe.
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