Prime Minister Feleti Teo, centre, has outlined his government's priorities. Photo: Facebook / Tuvalu.TV
Climate change and the impacts of sea level rise, the Tuvalu-Australia Falepili Union, and strengthening relationship with Taiwan are among the list of priorities for Tuvalu’s new government.
The new MPs were elected to their seats in January but it took over a month before they were able to converge in the capital Funafuti and elect a prime minister because MPs were stuck in the outer islands due to severe weather and transport challenges.
A statement on the government’s plans was released on Wednesday via social media after the swearing in of MPs by the minister for transport, energy, communication, and innovation, Simon Kofe.
The new government, under Prime Minister Feleti Teo, said in the statement that addressing climate change and mitigating the effects of rising sea levels are of utmost importance.
“The new government is committed to providing every available form of support and aid to bolster Tuvalu’s ability to withstand and adapt to the severe consequences of these phenomena,” the statement said.
“[The priorities include] the need for immediate and interim measures to minimise the destructive impacts of king tides and tidal surges on coastal areas and adjacent land, and public and private properties, as recently experienced by the whole country.”
The government said it supports the general principles and objectives of the Tuvalu-Australia Falepili Union, but “acknowledges the absence of transparency and consultations in socialising and informing the public in Tuvalu”.
“The new government intends to address those process issues and to work with the government of Australia towards a workable arrangement in advancing the objectives of the special union between Tuvalu and Australia, in particular safeguarding the integrity of the sovereignty of Tuvalu,” the statement said.
The Tuvalu government said addressing climate change and mitigating the effects of rising sea levels are of utmost importance. Photo: 123RF
Other big ticket items on the government’s list included resolving shipping issues, electoral reform, improving internet connectivity, and addressing the high cost of living.
It also lists the need to ascertain promptly the fiscal situation of Tuvalu, and in particular its debt situation, and urgently review the quality and standard of medical services.
The new government also reaffirmed its “commitment and long-tern and lasting special relationship” with Taiwan.
“[The government] intends to reassess options that would strengthen and lift it to a more duration, lasting, and mutually beneficial relationship,” the statement said.
Source: RNZ
