17 Jul 2008

Australia's PM Kevin Rudd holds talks with Tuvaluan PM

10:01 am on 17 July 2008

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has discussed climate change, whaling and the situation in Fiji with his counterpart from the Pacific nation of Tuvalu.

A spokesperson for Mr Rudd said he had a very productive half-hour meeting with Tuvaluan Prime Minister Apisai Ielemia in Sydney yesterday.

It was the first meeting between the two leaders, who agreed their governments would work towards a Pacific Partnership for Development, which they hope to finalise by late 2009.

The spokesperson says the partnership will provide a framework for Australia's long-term cooperation with Tuvalu on development assistance and may address areas such as health, education, and infrastructure.

The leaders discussed the situation in Fiji, and Mr Ielemia explained his nation's vulnerability to the impacts of climate change.

Mr Rudd also urged Mr Ielemia to support Australia's stance against whaling.