French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna has said that France welcomes people from South Pacific countries facing climate change challenges. Colonna said that France had watched with “great interest” Australia’s offer last month to lend a helping hand to Tuvalu on climate change.
At a meeting of Pacific leaders in the Cook Islands, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a plan that would initially allow up to 280 Tuvaluans a year to come to Australia. Tuvalu has a population of 11,000 and its low-lying atolls make it particularly vulnerable to global warming.
Colonna said that he was not sure whether French Polynesia and New Caledonia had the capacity to make similar proposals:
“I am open to consider any specific request, but the size of Australia’s continent makes a big difference to the size and beauty of French Polynesia and New Caledonia. I would prefer climate change to be contained and managed. Preventive action is better than taking some corrective measures, perhaps when it is too late.”
Colonna said that the Australian agreement, initiated by Tuvalu, was one way to combat climate change. He said he did not know the details of the agreement between Australia and Tuvalu, but was confident that it complied with basic principles of international law. Under the agreement, Australia commits to assist Tuvalu in the context of major natural disasters and pandemics, as well as in response to military attacks. It also gives Australia veto power if Tuvalu wishes to enter into a security or defense agreement with another country.
Tuvalu Prime Minister Kausea Natano said that the new arrangement with Australia respects the sovereignty of both countries and commits each country to support the other to meet challenges such as climate change.
At a time when the growing threats from climate change could lead to demands for settlements between countries, the French Foreign Minister expressed his willingness to openly find a solution. This emphasizes the importance of international cooperation in the fight against climate change. However, it is unclear whether French Polynesia and New Caledonia will be able to meet such demands, which could reflect a regional diplomatic dynamic.
The details of Australia’s agreement with Tuvalu are unknown. What is noteworthy is that Australia has veto power if Tuvalu makes agreements with other countries. This shows how the balance of power in the international arena is influential in the fight against climate change. Such agreements highlight the efforts of small island states to secure their security in the face of climate change.
Although the French Foreign Minister does not know the details of the agreement, he states that they respect the basic principles of international law. This could reflect the legal framework for international cooperation in the fight against climate change. Moreover, the statement “I would prefer that climate change is contained and managed” could emphasize climate justice and responsibility.
The development includes giving Australia veto power if Tuvalu wants to enter into a security or defense-related agreement with another country. This shows that the influence of major players such as China in the region has been taken into account.
France notes that relations with Australia were strained in the past over a submarine deal, but have since improved. This example shows how past disagreements between countries can be overcome and cooperation increased, even on global issues such as climate change.
In conclusion, the developments point to many important issues in the fight against climate change, such as international cooperation, balance of power, international law, regional security and diplomatic relations. These factors illustrate the complexity of efforts to tackle global climate change and the international policy dynamics involved.
[1.] “French Foreign Minister Says she is Open to South Pacific Resettlement Requests due to Rising Seas”, Associated Press News, https://apnews.com/article/french-colonna-australia-tuvalu-climate-change-b77617344c2deff169a1e1144d2f7adf, (Date of Access: 04.06.2024).
[2.] Ibid.
[3.] Ibid.
[4.] Ibid.
