India, Aug. 12 -- This week, Australian deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles, Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong, and Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy, will travel to the Pacific as Australia continues to strengthen ties with our nearest neighbours.

The Deputy Prime Minister will travel to Papua New Guinea to discuss the deepening defence ties between our two countries, and Australia's support for PNG's security priorities.

During the visit he will meet with Prime Minister James Marape, Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso MP, and Minister for Defence Dr Billy Joseph.

After travelling to PNG, the Deputy Prime Minister will join Minister Wong and Minister Conroy in Vanuatu - building on our enduring partn...