Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has concluded a significant visit to Samoa for the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which took place from 24 to 26 October.
This marked Albanese’s first visit to Samoa as Prime Minister and the first CHOGM hosted by a Pacific island nation, celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Commonwealth.
In his opening remarks, Albanese expressed his pleasure at reconnecting with fellow leaders and congratulated Samoan Prime Minister Afioga Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa on her election.
The Prime Minister highlighted Australia’s commitment to multilateral cooperation, particularly in upholding international law and human rights. He noted Australia’s contributions, such as training Ukrainian personnel amid Russia’s ongoing aggression and collaboration under the AUKUS partnership.
A major focus of the meeting was addressing climate change and its implications for Pacific nations. Albanese emphasised the need for a clean energy transition, stating, “We recognise that climate change is not just a challenge but also an opportunity.” He underscored the importance of ensuring that no one is left behind during this transition.
As part of Australia’s support for Samoa in hosting CHOGM, Albanese reaffirmed Australia’s dedication to collaborative efforts in managing the sustainable use of oceans and enhancing the resilience of Pacific communities.
In his comments, Albanese stated, “Australia values the significant role Samoa plays in our region, and the close partnership between our two countries.” He expressed gratitude to Mataʻafa for hosting the meeting and applauded her leadership in elevating Pacific priorities on the global stage.
During his time in Samoa, Albanese engaged in numerous bilateral meetings with leaders from over 50 countries. One notable discussion was with British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, marking their first in-person meeting since Starmer’s election earlier this year. Their dialogue centred on common interests, including climate change and security.
However, Albanese’s visit was not without controversy. Responding to a recent critical statement from a Chinese Foreign Ministry official regarding Australia’s human rights record, Albanese maintained that Australia would continue to advocate for its national interests and engage with China on these issues.
The Commonwealth meeting concluded with expectations for a robust declaration on climate change, spearheaded by Mataʻafa. King Charles III, presiding over CHOGM for the first time as sovereign, is anticipated to address historical challenges without directly addressing the contentious issue of reparations for slavery.
The outcomes of this CHOGM will play a pivotal role as the international community prepares for the upcoming UN climate summit in November.
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