Australia and Solomon Islands will begin negotiations on a new comprehensive treaty, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirming discussions are already underway following talks with Prime Minister Matthew Wale in Honiara.
Speaking after their meeting, Albanese said the two countries had agreed that Wale would visit Australia to negotiate the treaty.
“I welcome the vision and energy of Prime Minister Wale that he is bringing to our relationship, including our agreement on his visit to Australia to negotiate a new comprehensive treaty between our two nations.
“We’ll be working closely together to capture our shared ambition to elevate our relationship, underpinned by mutual trust, respect and open dialogue,” PM Albanese said.
He said the leaders had held “a very good meeting” with senior ministers to advance negotiations.
“We are hoping to conclude as soon as possible.”
Albanese said Australia had strengthened its relationships across the Pacific since 2022 and announced an SBD$56 million (US$6.94 million) education support package for Solomon Islands.
The funding will provide new books for every primary school child, upgrade rural training centres and support the government’s education policy.
He also announced that Australia and Solomon Islands had concluded a Memorandum of Understanding for the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force Academy.
“This MOU will allow our countries to work together on the construction of the academy as well as provide advanced training and growth requirements,” he said.
Albanese also highlighted the Australia-funded Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre, describing the SBD$45 million (US$5.57 million) facility as one that will improve healthcare for women, babies and the wider community.
He said both countries shared the view that regional peace and security should be led by Pacific nations.
“Australia and Solomon Islands share the view of Pacific leaders that the peace and security of our region is best led by the Pacific. We know we’re stronger when we stand together.”
Responding to a question on whether Solomon Islanders could receive visa arrangements similar to those included in the Australia-Fiji Vuvale Union Treaty, Albanese said the issue would be considered during negotiations.
“We’ll continue to, I’m sure that’s one of the issues of exchanges of people that we will discuss.”
“We look forward to these negotiations, they’ll be comprehensive as well. We want a comprehensive treaty and arrangements with Solomon Islands, and we have tasked, today I’ve tasked Minister Wong, our Foreign Minister, to lead the discussions,” said Albanese.
He said the negotiations would also involve Pacific Minister Patrick Conroy, Defence Minister Richard Marles and other ministers.
Prime Minister Wale welcomed the negotiations and joked that Solomon Islands expected to secure the best agreement.
“They always say the best wine comes last.
“So, the fact that Nakamal, and PNG, and Falepili, and Fiji, and they’ve all done these agreements, we certainly would be the last of the Melanesian countries.
“So, we expect the best wine,” said PM Wale.
