Travel Advisory

Urgent Travel Advisory - Escalate conflict in the broader Middle East Region

March 1, 2026

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and External Trade of the Republic of Vanuatu is issuing this urgent travel advisory in response to the escalating hostility and conflict in the Middle East.

Key Advice:

• All Vanuatu nationals and passport holders are strongly advised to refrain from all travel to Israel and the broader Middle East region until further notice.
• The situation is extremely volatile and unpredictable, with serious risks to personal safety and freedom of movement.
• Citizens currently in affected areas should exercise extreme caution, make immediate arrangements to depart if possible, and avoid non-essential activities.
• All major commercial Airlines servicing those routes have cancelled all their flights.
• Those planning travel to or through the region should postpone all non-essential trips until the situation improves.

The Ministry is closely monitoring developments and will provide updates through official channels, media and its website: www.mfaicet.gov.vu

For Urgent assistance: Contact the Ministry directly or the nearest diplomatic Mission:

-  Ministry (Port Vila): Tel: +678-33180 | Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

- Embassy in Brussels, Belgium: Tel: +3227717494/+32473497528| Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

- Consulate General in UAE (Dubai): Mr. Andrew Leong, Tel: +97144325888| Emergency: +971544478835 | Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Government of the Republic of Vanuatu proudly inaugurated its Consulate General in Dubai, marking the establishment of Vanuatu’s first diplomatic presence in the Gulf region.

The opening ceremony was officiated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and External Trade, the Hon. Marc Ati, who declared:

“The Consulate General in Dubai represents a deliberate and strategic decision by Vanuatu to be present, to be actively engaged, and to position our country meaningfully in one of the world’s most dynamic economic and innovation centers.”

Minister Ati reaffirmed the strong and growing partnership between Vanuatu and the United Arab Emirates, highlighting longstanding and expanding cooperation in areas of critical importance to small island developing states, including:

·         Climate change resilience and adaptation

·         Renewable energy development and clean energy transition

·         Sustainable development support and capacity building

The Minister expressed deep appreciation to the Government of the United Arab Emirates, and to the authorities in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, for their generous assistance and forward-looking support throughout the process of establishing the Consulate.

Strategically located in one of the world’s premier commercial and financial hubs, the Consulate General in Dubai will serve as a vital platform to:

·         Deliver high-quality consular and passport services to ni-Vanuatu citizens, residents and visitors in the UAE and across the wider Gulf region

·         Strengthen cultural, community and people-to-people connections

·         Actively promote trade, tourism, investment and economic partnerships between Vanuatu and the United Arab Emirates

Minister Ati called on all ni-Vanuatu living, working or studying in the United Arab Emirates to register with the Consulate General, emphasizing that registration enables the provision of timely consular assistance, emergency support and continued connection to Vanuatu.

The Minister also paid special tribute to Consul General Andrew Leon and his team for their dedication, professionalism and tireless efforts towards the establishment of the mission. The inauguration ceremony concluded with the traditional ribbon-cutting, formally declaring the Vanuatu Consulate General in Dubai open and fully operational.

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

 

BETWEEN

 

THE MINISTRY OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN

 

AND

 

THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION, OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER OF VANUATU

 

ON COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF ICT AND E- GOVERNMENT SERVICES

 

 

The Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan (MAIDD) and the Department of Communication and Digital Transformation, Office of the Prime Minister of Vanuatu (DCDT) (hereinafter referred to separately as "Participant" and jointly as "Participants"),

CONSIDERING the important role of science, technology and information communication technology (ICT) as the main drivers of socioeconomic development in the two countries.

RECOGNIZING that cooperation based on equity, friendship, and mutual benefit will be mutually beneficial for the ICT and e-government development of both Participants.

DESIRING to develop cooperation in the field of e-government and implementation of advanced technologies on a long-term and mutually beneficial basis to promote economic and social development of the Participants,

INTENDING to contribute to the reduction of the digital divide affecting the two

countries,

Have reached the following understanding:

1

Objectives

This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aims to facilitate cooperation between the Participants in the development, implementation, and advancement of ICT and e-government initiatives for the mutual benefit of both Participants.

2

Scope of Cooperation

1. The Participants intend to collaborate in the following areas:

a) Digital Infrastructure Development

b) E-Government Initiatives

c) Knowledge and Best Practice Sharing in ICT and E-government Policy Development.

d) Capacity Building and Knowledge Transfer

2. Other areas of mutual interest, such as audit and process reengineering, may be defined by the Participants.

 

 

3

Forms of Cooperation

The Participants intend to cooperate in the field of ICT in the following ways:

a) MAIDD will provide advisory and consultative support on methodology and technical architecture for effective use of digital technologies, re-engineering and digital transformation of public administration.

b) Each participant will organize assessment missions to learn about the other Participant's technology infrastructure.

c) Mutual support and cooperation in ICT human resources: the Participants will facilitate the exchange of expertise, training programs, and capacity-building initiatives to enhance the skills of ICT personnel in both countries.

d) The Participants will identify the various digital needs of DCDT, and MAIDD will assist in the provision of relevant digital solutions.

e) The Participants will work together to advance e-government solutions in both countries, share knowledge on successful implementations, and explore opportunities for joint projects.

f) Any other forms of cooperation that may be mutually defined by the Participants.

 

4

Activities

1. The Participants will promote and support cooperation through the following

activities:

a) Meetings between high-level officials from both countries to discuss

agendas of mutual interest;

b) Planning and implementation of joint IT projects for adopting new

technologies and digitalization concepts;

c) Mutually beneficial exchanges of technology and policy information in

accordance with guidelines set by the Participants from time to time;

d) Transfer from MAIDD to DCDT of programs, applications, techniques and

other digital tools for e-government under bilateral development assistance or through

Kazakh development institutions such as the Kazakhstan Agency of International

Development «KazAID ».

e) Exchanges between experts from the two countries; and

f) Any other forms of cooperation that may be jointly specified by the

Participants. :

2: The Participants may enter into separate agreements to specify the

modalities of collaboration, including the activities to be undertaken and the timelines for

implementation. ’

3 All activities to be conducted pursuant to this MoU will take the utmost

account of the sovereign interests of both Participants, in particular in relation to the

sensitivity of the information made available to the other Participant.

 

5

Joint Implementation committee

 

The Participants will establish a Joint Implementation Committee (JIC),

composed of representatives from both Participants. The JIC will meet regularly, either

in person or virtually, to oversee the implementation of this MoU, address challenges, and

make decisions by mutual consent.

 

6

Funding and Resources

 

1. Each Participant will be responsible for its own costs related to its

participation in this MoU and will be solely responsible for the determination of the level

of its investment in the activities developed under this MoU.

2; Any third-party costs incurred in connection with the implementation of

this MoU will be borne by the Participant incurring costs, unless otherwise agreed upon

in writing by the Participants.

3: The conduct of activities under this MoU will be subject to the availability

of funds and other resources of the Participants.

 

7

Intellectual Property Rights and Confidentiality

 

1. Each Participant retains its intellectual property rights. Confidential

information will not be disclosed to any third party without the prior written consent of

the disclosing Participant.

2. Each Participant will take appropriate measures to protect the

confidentiality of the other Participant’s intellectual property, including trade secrets and

proprietary information. '

g Neither Participant will issue any press release or make any public

statements regarding the purpose or outcome of this MoU, or the activities to be

performed or materials to be developed under it, without prior written consent of the

other Participant.

 

8

Legal Status

 

This MoU is not a treaty and does not create any rights and obligations for the

Participants and their States, governed by international law.

 

9

Settlement of Disputes

Any differences arising from the application of this MoU will be settled promptly

and amicably through consultations between the Participants.

 

10

Channels of Communication

 

All official communications under this MoU will be in writing to the following

addresses:

(a) Republic of Kazakhstan — Department of International Cooperation and

Investments, Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, E-mail:

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

(b) Republic of Vanuatu — Department of Communications and Digital

Transformation, Ministry of Prime Minister, E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

11

Amendments

 

1. This MoU may be amended from time to time by mutual written consent of

the Participants.

2. Any amendments will not affect the validity or duration of ongoing

cooperative activities under this MoU, unless otherwise specified in writing by the

Participants.

 

12

Coming into effect, Duration, and Cessation

s This MoU will come into effect on the date of signature by both Participants.

2. This MoU will remain in effect for a period of 5 years, unless otherwise

specified in writing by the Participants.

3. Either Participant may cease this MoU by giving 3 months written notice to

the other Participant.

4. Cessation of this MoU will not affect the validity or duration of ongoing

cooperative activities being carried out under this MoU, unless otherwise specified in

writing by the Participants.

Signed in Bangkok City, Kingdom of Thailand on «26» November 2025 in two

original copies, in English.

 

The MOU was signed on behalf of the Government of Vanuatu by the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Vanuatu to UNESCAP (Head of Mission), Mr. Mathieu Hervillard Le Peillet. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishes a framework for ICT and e-government cooperation between Vanuatu and Kazakhstan. This partnership builds on Kazakhstan's existing support to Vanuatu in areas like climate action and the World Expo, and aims to advance digital initiatives for mutual benefit

Vanuatu’s delegation to the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), led by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and External Trade, Hon. Marc Ati, and including the Minister of Climate Change, Hon. Ralph Regenvanu, participated in a series of High-Level Meetings from September 22-26, 2025, voicing the nation’s firm stance on global peace, health, and youth empowerment.

Throughout the week, Foreign Minister Marc Ati and delegation engage in four High-Level Meetings:

 

·         Attended the 80th Anniversary of the United Nations The delegation commenced its engagements by attending the commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the United Nations on September 22, emphasizing on Vanuatu's commitment to the principles and multilateral framework of the UN.

 

·         The Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases and the Promotion of Mental Health (September 25): Minister Marc Ati reaffirmed Vanuatu’s commitment to building resilient, inclusive, and healthy communities. He emphasized national leadership in taking action to achieve the targets of the Political Declaration on NCDs and the Mental Health Action Plan, establishing a path toward healthier and more resilient communities for future generations.

 

·         Commemorating the 30th Anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth (September 25): The Foreign Minister highlighted Vanuatu's dedication to investing in its youth through education, health, economic empowerment, and civic participation. He detailed national efforts to strengthen the mechanisms of the Youth Authority Act of 2018, ensuring that youth voices shape policies and utilize their creativity to create a sustainable future where every young person can thrive.

 

·         Commemorating the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons (September 26): Representing Vanuatu, Minister Ati expressed the nation's steadfast commitment to global disarmament. He declared Vanuatu's ratification of key treaties, including the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), the Rarotonga Treaty, the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), and the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). In his statement, he called on nuclear-armed states to fulfill their disarmament commitments and emphasized the need for collective action to eliminate nuclear weapons, standing with the international community to build a safer, more just, and nuclear-free world.

Through these engagements, Vanuatu consistently demonstrated its proactive and principled role on the world stage, advocating for a future that is healthy, peaceful, and empowering for all.