BY NED GAGAHE
Australia’s Defence Minister Richard Marles says he is confident relations between Australia and Solomon Islands will continue to strengthen under the new government led by Prime Minister Matthew Wale.
Speaking at the Lowy Institute in Melbourne, Mr Marles said he had already been in contact with Prime Minister Wale since his election and expressed strong confidence in the future of the bilateral relationship.
“I know Matthew well. I’ve been in contact with Matthew since he became Prime Minister. I have an enormous sense of confidence about how we will take the relationship forward with Solomon Islands,” Mr Marles said.
He said Australia has continued to strengthen its partnership with Solomon Islands since the Australian Labor Government came into office in 2022.
Mr Marles acknowledged the cooperation that existed under previous governments, including the administration of former Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.
“And I think with both the Manele government, but even with Prime Minister Sogavare, when we first came to government since 2022, we really have been able to progress that partnership,” he said.
The Australian Defence Minister said Canberra’s objective is to remain the “natural partner of choice” for Pacific nations, including Solomon Islands.
“Our objective here is to be the natural partner of choice. I genuinely think that’s how Solomon Islands sees it,” he said.
Mr Marles said Solomon Islands and the wider Pacific region remain strategically important to Australia, adding that Australia is committed to maintaining strong cooperation and engagement with the region.
“Solomon Islands is strategically deeply important to Australia. They know that we see that and they know that we mean to be a committed partner for them,” he said.
He added that he is confident that the relationship between the two countries will continue to grow under the Wale Government.
Photo: Supplied
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