Solomons, Australia fast track landmark treaty as PM Wale pushes stronger Pacific security
BY NED GAGAHE
Prime Minister Matthew Wale and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have agreed to fast-track negotiations on a landmark comprehensive treaty that will redefine relations between the two countries while strengthening regional security amid growing geopolitical tensions in the Pacific.
The announcement comes following bilateral talks in Honiara yesterday during Prime Minister Albanese’s visit to Solomon Islands for the country’s 48th Independence anniversary celebrations.
The proposed agreement is expected to cover a broad range of areas including security cooperation, economic development, education, policing and people-to-people links, making it one of the most comprehensive bilateral arrangements between the two neighbours.
Speaking at a Press Conference yesterday, Prime Minister Albanese said Australia is committed to work closely with the Solomon Islands Government to conclude the treaty as soon as possible.
“We’ll be working closely together to capture our shared ambition to elevate our relationship, underpinned by mutual trust, respect and open dialogue,” Mr Albanese said.
He said discussions held with Prime Minister Wale and senior ministers were productive and both sides had agreed to advance negotiations immediately.
“We want a comprehensive treaty and arrangements with Solomon Islands,” he said.
Prime Minister Wale welcomed the negotiations, noting that several Pacific countries had already concluded similar agreements with Australia.
“They always say the best wine comes last,” Mr Wale remarked.
“The fact that Nakamal, and PNG, and Falepili, and Fiji have all done these agreements, we certainly would be the last of the Melanesian countries.
“So, we expect the best wine.”
Beyond the bilateral treaty, Prime Minister Wale used the occasion to reinforce his vision for stronger Pacific regional security cooperation following China’s recent intercontinental ballistic missile test over the Pacific.
He said the incident demonstrates the urgent need for Pacific Island countries to strengthen regional security mechanisms and intelligence sharing.
“There are some gaps in the regional architecture,” Mr Wale said.
“Intelligence and intelligence sharing is a critical one.”
He said illicit trafficking across the Pacific has become an increasing concern for island nations and highlighted the need for regional cooperation to tackle emerging security threats.
Responding to questions on whether the Chinese missile test had changed his thinking, Mr Wale said the launch only reinforced the need for Pacific nations to speak with one voice.
“The missile test is further evidence for the need for a regional platform so that the region can speak as one,” he said.
“It will allow some countries—not all countries in the Pacific are on the same level of strength—and may not want to speak up when things like this happen.
“But a regional platform will allow cover and allow for much greater sharing of intelligence and information so we can be advocating better for Pacific-wide issues.”
Mr Wale also delivered one of the strongest public criticisms yet of China’s missile launch, confirming that Solomon Islands has formally protested through diplomatic channels.
“China’s a good friend of Solomon Islands, but this is not something a friend does,” he said.
“This is not good in our region and as Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum I’ve registered my strong protest with the Ambassador. Solomon Islands also lodged a protest note.
“We don’t want to see any more countries—China, America, anybody—we don’t want anybody testing ICBMs in the Pacific Islands region. Be our friend, but don’t threaten us.”
Prime Minister Albanese echoed those concerns, describing the missile test as a destabilising act that threatened regional peace and security.
“There is no doubt that this is a provocative act by China which does destabilise the region,” he said.
He said Australia formally raised its concerns with Beijing and criticised the lack of advance notification before the launch.
Mr Albanese said the test involved a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile launched from a nuclear-powered submarine, adding that Australia remains committed to reduce nuclear threats in the region.
Despite growing regional security concerns, both leaders stressed that the proposed Australia-Solomon Islands treaty will be built on mutual respect, sovereignty and shared interests, with negotiations expected to continue in the coming months.
Photo: Supplied
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