One the Pacific's most high-profile leaders is pressing Anthony Albanese to fly to the global UN climate summit in Brazil next month to "close the deal" with Türkiye and secure COP31 hosting rights for next year.

Australia has been stuck in protracted negotiations with Türkiye as the two countries try to hammer out a compromise that will allow Australia to host the Conference of the Parties (COP) climate change meeting with Pacific nations in 2026 .

The president of Palau, Surangel Whipps Jr, has told the ABC that it was now "crunch time" for the summit, and he hoped the prime minister would travel to the Amazonian city of Belem for COP30 — if needed — to convince Türkiye to "clear the way" for Australia's bid.

"The bottom line is: it's crunch time, we're now 12 months away and … Aust

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