Solomon Islands and Australia reaffirmed mutual respect for each other’s sovereignty and agreed to work together as close friends.
Thanks to a ‘talanoa or tok stori’ session between Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and an Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison’s Special envoy today which resulted in a positive outcome.
The meeting provided a platform for the two countries to better understand each other in particular on Solomon Islands decision to broaden its security partnership with China and other countries.
China remains an important trading partner for both countries. The meeting discussed Australia’s core security concerns, Solomon Islands reassured Australia that its security concerns are domestically focused and compliments current bilateral security Agreement with Australia and the regional security architecture.
Prime Minister Sogavare assured Australia, Solomon Islands will continue to roll out the implementation of its National Security Strategy and uphold its Foreign Policy of “Friends to all and enemies to none.”
Solomon Islands and Australia recommit their governments to cooperate more closely at all levels and tackle issues of common concerns.
“Australia remains our partner of choice.”
The Solomon Islands and Australian partnership is over very many years. Its growth continues to be robust.
Trust is being cemented between the two sovereign states.
