SYDNEY: Australia and Vanuatu on Monday signed a development and security pact that had been delayed for months over Vanuatu’s concerns that it could stifle investment from other countries. Australia, which is in a battle for influence in the Pacific with China, will be consulted on any third-party investment in Vanuatu’s critical infrastructure and remain the country’s preferred security and policing partner. Canberra has previously unveiled funding of A$500 million ($344.50 million) over 10 years for the pact, known as the Nakamal Agreement.

Vanuatu's Prime Minister Jotham Napat and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese ink the Nakamal Agreement, almost 10 months after Mr Napat pulled out of a planned signing…

Vanuatu's Prime Minister Jotham Napat and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese are set to ink the Nakamal Agreement, almost 10 months after Mr Napat pulled out of a planned…