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In the future, Australia wants to accept people from the South Pacific state of Tuvalu, who are affected by climate change, and grant them permanent residency rights. The historic agreement was signed on Friday by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (60) and Tuvalu Prime Minister Kausea Natano (66) during a meeting of Pacific island states in the Cook Islands in the South Pacific. This is the first time Australia has offered residency or citizenship rights to a state due to the threat of climate change, the ABC broadcaster reported.
Australia initially wants to take in 280 citizens of the island nation every year and allow them to live, study and work in the country. “As a low-lying country, Tuvalu is particularly affected by climate change,” Albanese said at a news conference. «His existence is threatened. I believe that developed countries have a responsibility to provide assistance, and that is exactly what we are doing.”
The archipelago will be completely swallowed up by the sea
In the South Pacific, sea levels are rising particularly rapidly due to global warming. Tuvalu – like other islands in the region – will be largely submerged in the coming decades. Experts estimate that the archipelago could be completely submerged within a hundred years. The approximately 11,000 residents will soon have to look for a new home.
Albanese described the agreement as “the most important agreement ever between Australia and a Pacific island nation”. Tuvalu’s Prime Minister Natano also spoke of a “milestone”. ABC reported that the agreement would give Australia a veto over security deals Tuvalu makes with other countries.
Tuvalu consists of nine islands and is a member of the Commonwealth. The archipelago is located north of New Zealand and east of Papua New Guinea. The US has already signed similar agreements with sinking Pacific states, including Palau and the Marshall Islands. This mainly concerns economic support in exchange for military access to strategic maritime areas. (SDA)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
