Vanuatu says security deal with Australia to be ratified later this year

FILE PHOTO: Alatoi Ishmael Kalsakau, Prime Minister of Vanuatu, gives his remarks after addressing to delegates during a general assembly to vote on whether to ask top global court to issue opinion on climate responsibility at United Nations Headquarters in New York City, U.S., March 29, 2023. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz

The Pacific Islands nation of Vanuatu said on Tuesday a security treaty with Australia would be put to parliament before the end of 2023, as concerns over China in the region saw neighbouring Papua New Guinea delay signing another such treaty.

Vanuatu's Prime Minister Ishmael Kalsakau said, during a visit by Australia's Defence Minister Richard Marles, that a security treaty signed with Australia in December 2022 is still being examined.