Rudd-Key Joint Statement:
Australia - New Zealand Partnership
for Development Cooperation in the Pacific
Prime Ministers Kevin Rudd and John Key held their fourth bilateral meeting in Canberra on 20 August 2009 during Prime Minister Key's official visit to Australia.
During their meeting the Prime Ministers endorsed a new Development Coordination Partnership, which takes an important first step towards implementing the Cairns Compact for Strengthened Development Coordination in the Pacific, agreed at the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders' Meeting in Cairns on 6 August.
The Partnership pledges new efforts by Australia and New Zealand to integrate development assistance activities in order to lift the effectiveness of aid programs and make improved progress towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals in the Pacific.
The Partnership builds on the recommendations of the joint report, released at the Cairns Pacific Islands Forum, about the impact of the global recession on the Pacific.
The text below is the relevant section of the joint statement issued by both Prime Ministers following their meeting.
Australia - New Zealand Partnership for Development Cooperation in the Pacific
20 August 2009
Australia and New Zealand commit to a new Partnership for Development Cooperation to further integrate the delivery of our development cooperation in the Pacific and make a real difference to the lives of the 2.7 million people living in poverty by promoting sustainable economic development and achievement of the Millennium Development Goals in the region. The Partnership marks a significant first step in implementing the Cairns Compact on Strengthening Development Coordination, which regional leaders endorsed at last week's Pacific Islands Forum.
The Partnership is founded on the common values we share, including as neighbours in the Pacific, and members of the Pacific Islands Forum. Through this Partnership, Australia and New Zealand reaffirm their commitment to working with our neighbours to build a more secure, equitable and prosperous Pacific region. The Partnership is founded on:
- A shared vision, including the achievement of real progress against the Millennium Development Goals through implementation of the Cairns Compact;
- A common strategic direction, based on core aspirations such as promoting broad-based, private sector-led growth to achieve faster development progress;
- Agreed principles, including the use of partnerships based on mutual respect and mutual agreement; and
- Practical action to integrate our efforts through expanded joint sector programmes, combined assessments and monitoring work; and delegated delivery of assistance to each other.
This Partnership reflects the clear vision for the future of development cooperation in the Pacific as set out in the Cairns Compact on Strengthening Development Coordination. The Compact calls for new, practical efforts by Pacific island countries and their development partners to work together to improve the effectiveness of development resources, thereby delivering better livelihoods for all Pacific peoples.
As Pacific Islands Forum members and key donors to the region, Australia and New Zealand have an important responsibility for improving the quality and impact of development assistance. We need to lead by example in implementing the Cairns Compact, and advancing its core principles. We call on other development partners to join us in these efforts.
Although endowed with rich and diverse human and natural resources, the Pacific region faces significant challenges. Australia and New Zealand have complementary approaches to development in the Pacific, with a focus on results, mutual accountability and the alignment of development resources with individual country priorities. Australia and New Zealand will use this Partnership to deepen our development cooperation, enabling us to assist more effectively Pacific island countries achieve broad-based economic growth, build sustainable livelihoods, enhance governance and accelerate progress towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.
