Australia has announced it will provide up to 27 million US dollars to the Pacific island nation of Tuvalu in aviation and connectivity support. It's part of Canberra's commitment to help Tuvaluan citizens in the face of climate change and rising seas.

Tuvalu's Prime Minister Feleti Teo has been visiting Australia and holding talks with senior government officials.

The officials say the funding will go toward the development of Tuvalu's infrastructure, including improving airport facilities and streamlining custom procedures among other measures.

Many of Tuvalu's 11,000 people live just 2 meters above sea level.

Last year, the two countries agreed that Canberra would accept up to 280 Tuvaluans per year as immigrants. It is hoped the new aid will help improve the connectivity between the two nations and boost travel.

The move comes as Australia has been strengthening security ties with Tuvalu in light of China's growing influence in the South Pacific. Tuvalu remains one of the few countries that still has diplomatic ties with Taiwan.