James Cleverly Jets Off to Pacific for Power Plays
The UK’s Foreign Secretary James Cleverly is heading to the Pacific to firm up Britain’s ties with island nations and New Zealand. This high-stakes trip kicks off tomorrow, aiming to boost partnerships on climate change, scientific research, and media freedom.
Tour Highlights: Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands & Samoa
- Cleverly visits Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands to meet top leaders and support local initiatives.
- He’ll join New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta for a joint programme in Samoa.
- The duo fly on to Wellington for talks and a Māori welcome ceremony.
Millions Poured into Pacific Prosperity
The Foreign Secretary will unveil fresh funding to turbocharge the Pacific’s development. This includes cash from the UK’s £500m Blue Planet Fund to fight marine pollution and help maintain healthy oceans.
“The UK supports a free and open Pacific. At the very centre of this effort is partnering for the long haul with our friends in the Pacific Islands, listening to their priorities, and working alongside them as they forge their own futures.” – James Cleverly
“The UK is redoubling its engagement in the Pacific, offering our expertise in tackling climate change, protecting the region’s oceans, promoting public health, and supporting open societies and a free media.” – James Cleverly
Key Meetings & Memorable Moments
- In Papua New Guinea, Cleverly meets Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko and PM Marape. He visits a UK-backed hospital and champions women’s rights at the Grass Skirts project.
- In Solomon Islands, he’ll hear from journalists trained under a UK and BBC initiative, then meet Prime Minister Sogavare and Foreign Minister Manele.
- In Samoa, Cleverly sits down with Samoan PM Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa and Nanaia Mahuta for trilateral talks and visits the Pacific Regional Environment Programme and Robert Louis Stevenson’s former home.
- Touching down in New Zealand, Cleverly receives a pōwhiri welcome at parliament before talks with PM Chris Hipkins. He’ll even join a rugby session with the Black Ferns, New Zealand’s women’s rugby team.
This visit underscores the UK’s renewed commitment to Pacific nations, reinforcing bonds in a region vital for global security and climate action.
