A ten year partnership agreement has been signed between the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) and the Australian Government.

The agreement known as the “Partnership for Pacific Regionalism and Enhanced Development (2014-2023)” was signed last week Wednesday, 12 March in the Australian Capital city, Canberra.

SPC Director-General, Dr Colin Tukuitonga was present in Canberra to sign the agreement with Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs, Mr Paul Grigson.

As part of the agreement, Australia will provide $51 million (AUD) in funding for the first three years of partnership. The funding will support the SPC in its delivery of regional services.

Mr Grigson stated “This agreement changes the nature of the relationship between SPC and Australia to a partnership that enables change and optimises the potential for effective regional development,”

“Australia recognises the considerable work SPC has done to improve performance reporting in 2013. Continuing to support SPC to enhance its reporting remains a key area of focus for the Australian Government”

Dr Tukuitonga stated “This is an exciting time for SPC and for the relationship between SPC and Australia. The partnership holds out the promise of a new and better way of working together.”

“Above all, we will be able to focus on helping Pacific Island countries and territories achieve their long-term key development outcomes, rather than working project by project.”