By Pita Ligaiula in Koror, Palau
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says Australia will continue discussions with Tonga and Solomon Islands on key regional agreements, while stressing that Canberra wants progress as soon as possible but must remain realistic about the timing.
Speaking at a press conference in Koror during the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting, Albanese confirmed he had already met informally with Tonga’s Prime Minister and would hold further bilateral discussions.
“We’ll continue to work those issues through, but we’ll have those discussions,” Albanese said.
“I met my friend, the Prime Minister of Tonga. We had a brief informal chat with him and his wife here.”
Albanese said Tonga had brought a high-level delegation to Palau, including members of the Royal Family.
“It’s a high-level delegation from Tonga. The Crown Prince is here as well, members of the Royal Family.
“I look forward to engaging with them. We will have bilateral meetings with him, and I’ll certainly also speak with the Solomons,” he said.
Asked whether the end of the year was a realistic target for concluding negotiations on the agreements, including the Kaume’a Ofi arrangements and discussions involving Solomon Islands, Albanese stopped short of setting a deadline.
“We always aim for doing things as soon as possible, but also being practical as well,” he said.
The Australian Prime Minister said Canberra wanted to further strengthen its relationship with Solomon Islands.
“We want to upgrade the relationship with the Solomons further,” Albanese said.
He highlighted his attendance at Solomon Islands’ National Day celebrations as an important moment in the relationship between the two countries.
“I was the first international leader to attend their National Day.
“You will remember that very warm day there in Honiara, at that stadium. It was a turning point in the relationship,” Albanese said.
Albanese said his focus in Palau was on continuing to strengthen Australia’s ties across the Pacific.
“I look forward to continuing to build on the relationships with all of our friends while I’m here,” he said.
