23 Sep 2019

Climate advocacy, Taiwan to remain priorities for new Tuvalu government

12:28 pm on 23 September 2019
The prime minister of Tuvalu, Kausea Natano.

The prime minister of Tuvalu, Kausea Natano. Photo: Supplied / Government of Tuvalu

Tuvalu's new prime minister has vowed to continue the country's climate change advocacy.

Kausea Natano was sworn in last week, and the new cabinet met for the first time last Friday.

Mr Natano takes over from Enele Sopoga, who made a name for himself as a global champion in the fight against climate change.

He said his government will carry on Tuvalu's leadership in the climate arena.

However, Mr Natano is remaining in Tuvalu this week, and the country will be represented at a large UN climate summit by his deputy, Minute Taupo.

Mr Natano also reaffirmed Tuvalu's commitment to its relationship with Taiwan, in the wake of Solomon Islands and Kiribati switching its allegiance to China.

Tuvalu chief justice is suspended

Meanwhile one of the first moves of the new government has been to suspend the country's chief justice, Australian lawyer Charles Sweeney.

It's also formed a two-member tribunal to investigate Mr Sweeney on allegations of judicial misconduct.

The announcement was made by the country's new justice minister, Simon Kofe.