BY NED GAGAHE
Australia has indicated it is open to discuss easier entry arrangements for Solomon Islanders as part of negotiations on a new comprehensive bilateral treaty between the two countries.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made the remarks in Honiara yesterday when asked whether Solomon Islands could receive visa arrangements similar to those contained in the recently signed Australia-Fiji Vuvale Union Treaty.
Responding to the question during a media conference yesterday in Honiara, Mr Albanese did not rule out future visa concessions, saying the issue will form part of the broader treaty negotiations.
“I’m sure that’s one of the issues of exchanges of people that we will discuss,” he said.
Mr Albanese said that the Vuvale Union Treaty with Fiji provides balanced travel arrangements, including extending the stay for Fijian citizens visiting Australia to four months, matching the period Australians can stay in Fiji.
He said Australia is committed to negotiate a comprehensive agreement with Solomon Islands that will strengthen cooperation across a wide range of areas.
“We want a comprehensive treaty and arrangements with Solomon Islands,” Mr Albanese said.
He said Australia’s Foreign Minister, Senator Penny Wong, had been tasked with leading the negotiations alongside Pacific Minister Patrick Conroy and other senior ministers.
“We have tasked Minister Wong, our Foreign Minister, to lead the discussions,” he said.
Prime Minister Matthew Wale previously described the proposed treaty as an opportunity to deepen bilateral ties with Australia, with negotiations expected to cover areas including security, economic cooperation, education, policing and people-to-people links.
While no specific commitments on visa access have yet been made, Mr Albanese’s comments suggest travel and mobility arrangements will be among the issues considered during negotiations on the landmark agreement.
For feedback, contact: [email protected]
Editor: [email protected]
