Minister of Foreign Affairs

Foreign Minister's Statement

It gives me pleasure in presenting the 2023 Annual Report for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and External Trade. Our obligations to produce annual reports are set by subsection 20(1) (h) of the Public Service Act and are in accordance with the guidelines referred to in those sections. The reporting also complied with the Public Finance and Economic Management Act 1998 Section 30 (3). 

As a State funded institution the annual report serves as an essential communication tool between the Foreign Ministry and all its key stakeholders through which it serves to inform on its performances, achievements and public accountability. Importantly, reporting provides information on operations and financial responsibility that allows scrutiny that ultimately aims to ensure institutions such as the Foreign Ministry are operating within the parameters of the country’s laws and financial regulations.

The year 2023 has been an eventful one, with the Foreign Ministry experiencing four (4) changes in the Ministerial portfolio. This is unprecedented. The changes in Government have tested policy stability and consistency, as well as services. Nevertheless, the Foreign Ministry and its personnel remained resolute in managing key foreign policy priorities with eagerness and keeping the momentum forward-looking.

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Hon. Matai Seremaiah NAWALU
Deputy Prime Minister. Minister of Foreign Affairs,
International Cooperation and External Trade

Of worthy and historic mention has been the successful ICJ climate initiative that was adopted by consensus by the United Nations General Assembly in March. Key bilateral relationship were strengthened with the Prime Minister’s official visit to Australia in February and New Zealand’s Foreign Minister’s visit to Port Vila in March on the occasion of which the Mauri Partnership was signed.

With Vanuatu as Chair of the Melanesian Spearhead Group members endorsed two landmark declarations- the Udaune Declaration on Climate Change and the Efate Declaration on Mutual Respect, Responsibility, Cooperation and Amity – placing the MSG at the forefront of regionalism. Further, as Chair of the 12th Conference of the Pacific Community Vanuatu led discussions on the Institutional Review of this regional organization.

Indeed, amidst national challenges the Foreign Ministry has remained steadfast in its pursuit of core objectives as directed through its Corporate Plan. I take this opportunity to express my appreciation to all our partners, Government agencies, and officials of the Foreign Ministry, for your contributions to our common cause of prosperity, peace and development.

Hon. Matai Seremaiah NAWALU
Deputy Prime Minister
Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and External Trade

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Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and External Trade

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Kawshar Ahmed
Entrepreneur, Founder of JSCORP

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