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The 52-page document outlines four overarching goals:
photo: Screenshot/Vanuatu National Foreign Policy
Vanuatu’s first foreign policy document gives it “increased credibility” in its competition with major geopolitical powers such as the United States and China for influence in the region, an expert on Melanesian politics says.
Prime Minister Charlot Salwai launched National foreign policy The Pacific island nation’s non-aligned position was outlined in a statement issued on July 3.
“Foreign policy documents are vital for a country for many reasons,” Salwai said. Vanuatu Daily Post.
The policy describes Vanuatu as being “reluctantly” drawn into the Pacific power competition and places greater demands on its diplomacy as a result.
The 52-page document outlines four overarching objectives: to promote Vanuatu’s sovereignty and protect its national borders; to enhance the prosperity and well-being of the people of Vanuatu and abroad through effective bilateral, regional and international cooperation and trade; to promote a stable, secure and prosperous region as a responsible member of the Blue Pacific continent; and to contribute to global well-being through international cooperation on key global challenges.
Foreign policy details how a country participates in international trade, investment, economic agreements and what factors influence its economic growth and stability. It also explains how we respond to international crises and humanitarian issues.
photo: Facebook / Vanuatu Prime Minister’s Office
Griffith University adjunct associate professor Tess Newton Cain told RNZ Pacific the document, in whatever form it was, had been more than a decade in the making.
Newton-Cain said the reason it took a while to complete was because people were more concerned about things that affected their families, such as the cost of living, education, health and more.
She said in all countries, including New Zealand and Australia, foreign policy took a backseat when it came to issues that mattered most to voters during elections.
“I think it’s a problem. The electorate itself didn’t demand it. I think it also requires something that’s obviously influenced by the party platform but that everyone can sign up to.
She also said such a document was vital for the continuity of Vanuatu’s foreign policy.
“It should not just be temporary and then be thrown away, ignored and completely rewritten by the next president. I think this applies to all countries, but especially to a country like Vanuatu where there is quite a lot of change in government.”
Newton-Cain believes that by highlighting its values, interests and resource constraints through the policy, it will help Vanuatu be able to “mediate and finesse the conversation” about geopolitical competition in the region, which is “not a competition of their making”.
“(The foreign policy document) elevates Vanuatu’s voice to be on par with what we would normally think of as regional political powers.”
She said while it might not be “particularly radical”, it did clearly indicate how Vanuatu sees itself, its future goals and how it will get there.
“It really increases Vanuatu’s credibility or influence to be able to participate in these regional conversations that they wouldn’t necessarily be a part of otherwise.”
Newton-Cain said the policy was described as a “living document” and noted there was room to review it and adjust it as needed.
“I don’t think it’s going to be something that needs to be reviewed and rewritten on a regular basis. It’s more of a guideline.
“This is a policy document, not legislation, so it does not create any legal obligations or requirements on specific ministries or agencies.”
Newton-Cain said the document showed the outside world that Vanuatu had given it some thought and had articulated its specific position in policy.
“So if you want to know what Vanuatu thinks about foreign policy, geostrategic competition or trade, we can now point to that and say, ‘Here is the most up-to-date and comprehensive statement of Vanuatu’s position on those issues’.”
The Vanuatu Files
Newton-Cain said key elements repeatedly stated in the document made it clear that “this is a Vanuatu document”.
“First, there are several references to Vanuatu’s position as a member of the Non-Aligned Movement. I was in Vanuatu recently and an official from the government described Vanuatu as ‘firmly non-aligned’.”
She said the non-aligned stance is something Vanuatu “holds very dearly” and is a “cornerstone” of this thinking and foreign policy work.
Another striking thing was that the meeting mentioned several times the border dispute with France over Matthew Island and Hunter Island, the southernmost islands claimed by Vanuatu.
“It’s obviously a significant issue across a range of areas, including diplomatic relations with France, the delineation of Vanuatu’s exclusive economic zone. All of these issues come into play.”
“Kava diplomacy is mentioned in one of the preamble documents. So there are little touches of that that really give it a strong Vanuatu flavour.”
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