The visit of the new Australian Consul-General, Paul Wilson

On Monday, 10th August, the President received a visit from the new Australian Consul-General to New Caledonia, Paul Wilson.

He has already worked on New Caledonian affairs during his time in Paris, at the Australian Embassy, in the early 2000s. Paul Wilson assured the President Philippe Germain that his three-year political term would be largely devoted to developing relations between New Caledonia and Australia, in the areas of trade, economic co-operation, education, higher education and culture. As such, Christopher Pyne, Minister for Education, will visit Noumea on the 2nd and 3rd of September, in particular to finalise the opening of Australian international sections in middle schools and high schools.

For his part, Philippe Germain introduced Paul Wilson to the institutional framework that incorporates New Caledonia’s regional action, and reiterated the importance for the latter to attain full member status of the Pacific Islands Forum.

On the economic and commercial front, the President specified that establishing partnerships between the two countries’ economies, through joint ventures or franchise agreements, would effectively support a revival of exchanges.

During the month of August 2015, the Australian Consulate-General is celebrating the 75th anniversary of its presence in New Caledonia.