"We share an intention for the treaty to enter into force as soon as possible in 2024," they said in a joint statement.

The 11-page treaty was hailed as a historic response to climate change when it was signed in November 2023, offering Tuvalu's 11,000 residents the right to live in Australia if their low-lying homeland is lost to rising sea levels.

The pact also commits Australia to defending Tuvalu in the face of natural disasters, health pandemics and "military aggression", but only upon their request for aid.

The deal is being pursued at a time of heightened concern among Western allies about China's expanding security ties with Pacific island states.

But the Tuvalu government had raised concerns about a clause saying it must "mutually agree" with Australia on any security or defence deal with other countries.

In an "explanatory memorandum", which is not legally binding, the two sides agreed that the clause reflected the depth of Australia's security guarantee "and will be implemented in the spirit of respect and amicable consultation".