• •Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat is visiting Canberra to discuss the long-stalled Nakamal security pact.
• •The Guardian reports the visit has increased diplomatic expectations for a finalized treaty, though no formal signing date has been set.
• •Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek noted that any improvement in bilateral relations is welcome, following a period of political volatility.
• •It remains uncertain whether remaining concerns regarding sovereignty and specific resource clauses in the treaty have been fully reconciled.

Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat is in Canberra this week to resume negotiations on the Nakamal security treaty. The pact has faced delays for months, a stark contrast to the initial diplomatic urgency following the Pacific Island Forum agreements. However, political friction persists over the treaty's terms, and while both nations express optimism, official consensus has yet to be publicly solidified. Whether this visit yields a signed agreement or further negotiation will clarify the future of Australia’s security footprint in the region.