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The Australian Defence Force has expanded the government’s Pacific Step-up program to build relationships with key partners, as a task group has pulled into Samoa.
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Working together with a focus on security and safety, 210 personnel on board HMAS Choules arrived in the capital, Apia, for a week of enhanced engagement.
Leadership meetings, cultural exchanges with the Army band, a Women, Peace and Security Summit and a helicopter display at local schools were some of the highlights of the visit, which was held from 19 to 26 August
Contingent Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Will Harvey, said the visit demonstrated the close connection between our two nations.
"Every time we visit Samoa we have new opportunities to work together on a variety of topics that are important to us both," LTCOL Harvey said.
"For the second time this year, we had the opportunity to conduct engagements that allow us to learn more and share knowledge about security and safety with Samoan leaders in this sector. This type of co-operation between governments is important to prepare both countries to operate more effectively in the event we need to partner for humanitarian assistance, disaster relief operations or other joint activities."
A key activity during the visit was the opportunity to help with Samoa’s ongoing reforestation program. Sailors from HMAS Choules joined Samoans in planting hundreds of trees as part of this important national environmental program.
Commanding Officer of HMAS Choules, Commander Scott Houlihan, said he and the visiting personnel deeply appreciated the warm reception.
"The Samoan community were very welcoming and we have been able to show our appreciation for the hospitality in their beautiful country. This visit continues to build on the strong foundation and history of Australia's close partnership with Samoa," CMDR Houlihan said.
Australia’s step-up in engagement with the Pacific is one of the highest priorities of the 2017 Foreign Policy White Paper. The White Paper commits Australia to a more ambitious and intensified engagement in the Pacific to support a more resilient region.
Reflecting the White Paper’s ambition, Australia committed at the 2017 and 2018 Pacific Island Forum Leaders' Meetings to a range of measures that will strengthen Australia's engagement with the Pacific, including:
- stronger partnerships for economic growth;
- stronger partnerships for security; and
- stronger relationships between our people.
The Pacific Step-up responds to the significant long-term challenges faced by Australia's partners in the Pacific, including: climate change and responding to natural disasters; sustaining economic growth and boosting education, developing skills and jobs for growing populations; pursuing gender equality and recognising the essential role of women in achieving better development outcomes; preventing major disease outbreak and tackling transnational crime.
