New Australian High Commission to open in Alofi later this year
The new Australian High Commission is expected to open later this year in Alofi.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison outlined this in his condolence message on the passing of the former Premier Sir Toke Talagi who Morrison said played a key role in supporting the establishment of an Australian diplomatic mission in Niue.
The condolence message was read in the church service of the state funeral on Monday, July 27th along with other messages from foreign leaders.
Meanwhile, a DFAT Spokesperson confirmed to BCN News that the Australian Government will announce the inaugural High Commissioner to Niue in due course.
Currently, Australia works with New Zealand through a delegated cooperation arrangement to support development activities in Niue. BCN News understands that the Australian Diplomatic mission will initially be based with the New Zealand High Commission in Tapeu.
As part of the Australian government’s Pacific Step Up policy, Australia is aiming to be represented in every member country of the Pacific Islands Forum.
Morrison announced on November 8th, 2018 during a speech at the Lavarack Barracks in Townsville, Queensland the Australian government’s plans to open diplomatic missions in Palau, the Marshall Islands, French Polynesia, Niue and the Cook Islands.
Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne has already announced a new Australian Embassy in Palau and an Australian High Commission in Cook Islands, with more diplomatic missions to open in Niue, French Polynesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands from this year.
