A summit is expected to take place in Samoa’s capital Apia. Fourteen island nations will be included in the meeting along with regional superpowers, Australia and New Zealand. They plan to discuss ways to boost economic and political integration in the Pacific. Australia is also working towards safer foreign policies that include secure borders and immigration control. Most of the island countries near Australia, including the Solomon islands, Papua New Guinea and more, are home to some of the world’s poorest nations. In an effort to support each other, Canberra has agreed to send assistance from police officers and other public authority, to Papua New Guinea. Knowing that many nations in the pacific are perfect sanctuaries for crime and terrorism, the meeting hopes to stop the growing problem. The biggest problem being discussed at the meeting will be the amount of poverty that remains in the pacific islands. Due to factors such as geographical development and corruption, its estimated around 30% of the islands remain in poverty. Another crucial matter being discussed is the rapid spread of HIV and Aids. The nations have done their best to bring awareness to the situation, but are still seeking for a better solution. Recently, New Zealand and Australia has tried to help various Pacific islands boost their economy by creating a regional free trade deal. This plan is supposed to go into effect in June of 2019 signed by Australia, New Zealand and 9 Pacific islands. I think many didn’t realize how extreme the conditions in the Pacific islands were until their regional superpowers brought attention to the problem. It’s important that they have someone higher in power and authority they can lean on when needed. If Australia and New Zealand are in a financial state where they can afford to make an agreement like this, it’s going to be very beneficial in the long run. It’s essential that when smaller powers don’t have the resources or the voice to fix their own problems, an able body can step in to assist them.
