Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Prime Minister of Tuvalu, the Hon Feleti Teo OBE, today announced the entry into force of the Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union Treaty.

The Falepili Union Treaty was signed at last year’s Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in the Cook Islands, responding to Tuvalu’s request of Australia to help safeguard the future of Tuvalu. The Treaty covers three main areas of collaboration: climate cooperation, mobility with dignity, and shared security.

Since the Treaty was signed in November 2023, both governments have undertaken domestic consultation processes to confirm support for the Falepili Union.

With the treaty now in force, our two countries will work together to open our special mobility pathway in 2025. The pathway will enable up to 280 Tuvaluan citizens per year the choice to live, work or study in Australia.

As the relationship between Australia and Tuvalu strengthens, we are also working closely to deliver on our shared vision of ensuring Tuvaluans can remain in their homeland with enhanced development cooperation, and by building security and prosperity for generations to come.

From today, and for the first time ever, Australia is obliged to respond when Tuvalu calls for assistance in the face of a major natural disaster, health pandemic or military aggression. Tuvalu, in turn, will mutually agree any new third-party engagement on defence and security-related matters with Australia.

The Albanese Government has made climate change a central pillar of Australia’s partnerships in the Pacific. In a world-first for a legally binding agreement, the Falepili Union recognises that Tuvalu’s statehood and sovereignty will continue, notwithstanding the impacts of climate change-related sea level rise.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“Australia recognises the unique challenges facing Tuvalu, which is why addressing climate change is central to the Falepili Union.

“I am honoured to announce the entry into force of the Falepili Union – it is a proud and historic moment for our two countries.

“This Treaty demonstrates that Australia will always respond to Pacific needs, while respecting sovereignty and delivering Pacific-led solutions to our shared challenges.

“The Falepili Union responds to Tuvalu’s request to safeguard its future.

“Australia shares a vision for a peaceful, stable, prosperous and unified region.

“We have listened, learned, and are working together on Pacific-led, Australian-backed solutions.

“It shows our Pacific partners that they can rely on Australia as a trusted and genuine partner.

“We are stronger together and in these challenging times, we can count on each other to ensure our region remains safe and secure.”

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Feleti Teo:

“Although, the Falepili Union Treaty was signed by my predecessor, I am honoured to announce the ratification by Tuvalu of the Treaty after extensive public consultations on it by my administration after it came to office in February this year.

“Today also marks the entry into force of the Treaty after both parties confirmed their ratification of the Treaty.

“The Treaty is ground-breaking in Tuvalu’s foreign relations.

“For the first time, there is a country (Australia) that has committed legally to come to the aid of Tuvalu, upon request, when Tuvalu encounters a major natural disaster, a health pandemic or military aggression.

“Again, for the first time there is a country (Australia) that has committed legally to recognise the future statehood and sovereignty of Tuvalu despite the detrimental impact of climate changed-induced sea level rise.

“An objective that I will pursue tirelessly for more countries to provide the same legal assurances.

“I expressed profound gratitude for the new elevated, integrated and comprehensive partnership between Tuvalu and Australia that is grounded on the Tuvalu customary value of Falepili that connotes good neighbourliness, respect and duty of care.”