HMAS Choules recently made a short port visit to Port Vila, Vanuatu, after providing support to Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) hosted by the Samoan Government.
The visit underscores the four-decade long relationship between Vanuatu and Australia, including the Defence Cooperation Program that has been in place since 1983.
The program is responsive to Vanuatu’s security priorities and supports all three arms of the Vanuatu Police Force, particularly the Police Maritime Wing and Vanuatu Mobile Force.
During the visit, the ship’s crew delivered donations, including motorbikes and vans, to the Vanuatu Police Force to support their operations to improve law enforcement across the nation.
The visit was an opportunity for the crew to explore Vanuatu following CHOGM, and allowed them to engage with the locals, while contributing to the local economy.
Commanding Officer Choules Commander Arron Convery hosted an official reception on board, attended by the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Matai Seremiah, Australian High Commissioner Max Willis and other foreign dignitaries.
“This visit has been a wonderful opportunity to re-connect with our South Pacific Island friends during our short port visit, and reaffirm the continued partnership,” Commander Convery said.
“Australia is committed to the long-standing relationship with Vanuatu, founded on the common values and shared home in the South-Pacific.”
