Australia will offer sanctuary to residents of the tiny, flood-prone nation of Tuvalu as part of a landmark deal announced at the Pacific Islands Forum.
The treaty also gives Australia the power to veto any security or military deal between Tuvalu and any other nation.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says Australia will “commit” to aiding Tuvalu in response to a major natural disaster, to a health pandemic or to military aggression.
Mr Albanese and Tuvalu Prime Minister Kausea Natano both signed the historic treaty.
“(This is) the most significant agreement between Australia and a Pacific Island nation ever,” the PM remarked.