Fiji’s Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, has signalled a more “realistic” tone from the Pacific over Australian coal mining and gas production, saying fossil fuel industries and exports cannot be shut down immediately despite the impact on climate change.

Following talks with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra on Wednesday, Mr Rabuka recognised the importance of fossil fuel income, taxes and royalties to the Australian economy, and by extension the federal government’s ability to assist poorer nations.