Australia and Vanuatu sign Nakamal treaty

Australia and Vanuatu signed the delayed Nakamal Agreement in Canberra on June 29, 2026, formalising a pact that bars foreign military bases in Vanuatu, prevents the militarisation of critical infrastructure and requires consultation with Australia on third-party involvement in sensitive projects.

The signing came after months of negotiation and delay. Earlier reporting said an initial version stalled after Vanuatu raised concerns that the arrangement could limit outside investment in infrastructure. The revised deal was eventually signed by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat.

Albanese described the day as historic for the two countries' relationship. Napat said the agreement reaffirmed the shared commitment of both governments to a peaceful, stable and prosperous Pacific.

What the agreement covers

The core provisions reported so far are straightforward. Vanuatu will not permit foreign military bases on its territory, and its critical infrastructure is not to be militarised.

The treaty also establishes a consultation requirement when third parties are involved in sensitive or strategic sectors or projects. Reporting says that language is intended to preserve Vanuatu's sovereignty while keeping Australia closely involved in decisions that may affect security or development interests.

The agreement is being described as both a security and economic or development pact. It follows negotiations in which Vanuatu pushed back against an earlier draft over worries about how it could affect infrastructure financing.

Why the deal matters

The signing is strategically significant for both governments. Australia has been trying to lock in its role as Vanuatu's key development and security partner, while Vanuatu has been seeking to attract infrastructure investment without surrendering control over strategic decisions.

The pact also lands in a Pacific region where outside influence is closely watched. Coverage has framed the deal against broader competition over security and development influence, even though the treaty itself focuses on bilateral rules rather than naming any outside power.

Reporting says Australia previously offered A$500 million linked to the arrangement, but the final funding profile and delivery timetable have not yet been fully disclosed. That leaves open questions about how much support will follow and how quickly it will arrive.

The next details may come from the treaty text or an official fact sheet if either is released. Follow-up reporting will also be watching for clarification on which sectors fall under the consultation requirement and whether the agreement leads to further talks on policing, disaster response or other implementing measures.

For now, the signing marks the key breakthrough: a long-delayed agreement has been completed, and both sides are presenting it as a reset in the bilateral relationship.