CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA — February 2, 2026 — H.E. President Hilda C. Heine, First Gentleman Thomas Kijiner, Jr. and members of the official delegation, were formally welcomed to Australia through a Welcome to Country Ceremony by the Elders of the Ngunnawal people, the traditional owners and custodians of the land on which Australia’s Government House stands.
Following the ceremony, H.E. President Heine met with H.E. The Honorable Governor-General Sam Mostyn, reaffirming the longstanding partnership between the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Commonwealth of Australia. The Governer-General serves as the federal representative of Australia’s monarch, King Charles III, and as Head of State.
President Heine conveyed warm Pacific greetings and expressed appreciation for Australia’s hospitality. She noted the historic significance of the visit, marking the first bilateral leaders’ engagement between the two countries in more than three decades, and described it as an important step in renewing and strengthening cooperation.
Discussions focused on shared regional priorities, including climate change, maritime security, infrastructure development, education, and people-to-people ties. President Heine acknowledged Australia’s continued support for Pacific development, gender equality initiatives, and capacity-building efforts that benefit the Marshall Islands. President Heine announced the RMI’s keen interest to open an embassy in Canberra.
The President welcomed Australia’s leadership in regional and global climate action, including its role in the upcoming Pre-COP negotiations, and expressed appreciation for Australia’s solidarity on nuclear legacy issues affecting the Marshall Islands.
The meeting concluded with exchange of gifts and a tour of the compound, where President Heine thanked Governor-General Mostyn for her hospitality and viewed the kangaroos on the grounds.
President Heine thanked Governor-General Mostyn for the constructive exchange and reiterated her commitment to advancing a strong and enduring partnership between the Marshall Islands and Australia.
