As part of a comprehensive new agreement, Australia has agreed to grant residency to individuals impacted by environmental changes in the low-lying country of Tuvalu in the Pacific. This treaty also solidifies strong security connections between the two nations.

During a period where numerous leaders in the Pacific region are urging Australia to increase efforts in addressing its reliance on fossil fuels, the agreement expressly acknowledges the susceptibility of Tuvalu to the consequences of sea level rise.

Tuvalu is a country of nine low-lying islands in the central Pacific, about halfway between Australia and Hawaii, with a population of about 11,200.

Australia has committed to granting permanent residency to a maximum of 280 individuals annually. Additionally, they have made a pledge to assist the people of Tuvalu in remaining in their homes in a secure and respectful manner.

• Subscribe to Guardian Australia’s morning and afternoon email newsletters for a daily roundup of news, completely free.

The Australian prime minister, Anthony Albanese, said the deal would also cement his country’s status as Tuvalu’s “security partner of choice” by offering it a form of security guarantee.

On Friday, a new treaty was declared stating that Australia will address requests from its ally to assist with significant natural disasters, pandemics, or acts of military aggression against Tuvalu.

Tuvalu must obtain consent from Australia in order to make agreements with other countries regarding security and defense matters, as a condition of this security guarantee.

These subjects are broadly categorized to encompass “defense, law enforcement, border security, cyber security, and crucial infrastructure such as ports, telecommunications, and energy networks” – all of which are of importance to China.

If the Pacific country requests assistance, Australia’s military may be allowed to enter and be present within the country.

The agreement will be viewed as a beneficial move for the Australian government, especially with China actively seeking stronger relationships with Pacific island nations.

Last year, when Beijing and Solomon Islands signed a security agreement, it caused a stir in the Australian military community. In response, the Labor government led by Albanese vowed to increase efforts in engaging with its Pacific counterparts.

Albanese revealed the proposed actions following three days of discussions with other Pacific rulers at a significant summit in Cook Islands. The urgent matter of the climate crisis was a major topic of concern during the talks.

The bond between Australia and Tuvalu has been upgraded to a higher level, now called the Falepili Union. This is a term from Tuvaluan culture that signifies positive relations, concern, and mutual regard. Albanese acknowledged the new union as a way to address the distinct challenges faced by Tuvalu, such as its vulnerability to climate change and limited natural resources due to its isolated location.

Tuvalu’s prime minister requested a heightened partnership to protect the well-being, heritage, and customs of the Tuvaluan people.

He explained that their aid includes helping with adjustment and ensuring the safety that comes with these assurances for the citizens of Tuvalu. They are committed to preserving their culture and nation for the future.

According to government sources, it is not expected that all citizens of Tuvalu will relocate to Australia. There is no expectation of a large-scale migration, but rather a move with respect and honor for those who choose to do so.

Two days ago, Albanese had a meeting with Kausea Natano, the prime minister of Tuvalu. Natano referred to himself as the leader of a country that will be submerged if the global community does not take action on the climate emergency.

The comprehensive agreement includes a unique pathway for 280 citizens of Tuvalu to obtain permanent residency in Australia each year, along with the ability to live, study, work, and access services. This new pathway will fall under the current Pacific engagement visa.

According to sources from the Australian government, Tuvalu will have the authority to select which individuals will be eligible for the new visa option.

On Friday in Cook Islands, Natano joined Albanese and discussed a system that aims to prevent the loss of skilled workers from the Pacific nation.

“The commitment of Australia to assisting the citizens of Tuvalu goes beyond verbal expression and has deeply impacted us,” Natano stated.

Tuvalu is one of very few nations in the Pacific to have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, although Solomon Islands switched allegiance to China in recent years.

During the press conference, Natano stated that Tuvalu will uphold its diplomatic relations with Taiwan. However, he mentioned that China has reached out to his nation regarding establishing ties.

He stated that he and Albanese had informed the Pacific Islands Forum, a regional organization consisting of 18 members, earlier in the day while attending the leaders’ retreat on Aitutaki Island.

Australia’s pledge also includes further cooperation on the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project, which would reclaim land in the capital, Funafuti, in the hopes of expanding the land mass by 6% to create more space for housing and other essential services and “enabling people to remain living in Tuvalu in the face of sea level rise”.

Pacific nations often cite the climate crisis as their primary security concern, and there is widespread worry in the region about Australia’s endorsement of additional coal and gas ventures.

Adam Bandt, the leader of the Australian Greens, remarked in regards to the announcement that it would be more ideal if Labor took responsibility for their actions and ceased approving new coal and gas mines.

Source: theguardian.com