Bilateral and Multilateral Co-operation

Tuvalu has strong bilateral and multilateral relationships with a number of countries. Bilaterally, Tuvalu maintains strong relationships with its close neighbours such as Fiji, New Zealand and Australia. Many of the relationships are supported and enhanced through regional multilateral institutions, which Tuvalu is a member of, for example the Pacific Islands Forum, Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) and the South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP). Tuvalu’s bilateral relationship with New Zealand provides important developmental assistance. In 2011-2012 New Zealand allocated $4 million to fund strategic projects such as upgrading of Tuvalu’s reef channels, increased macroeconomic stability through management of the Tuvalu Trust Fund and skills development of the Tuvaluan workforce. In addition to the regional organisations mentioned above, Tuvalu is also a member of the UN and the Commonwealth.