SOLOMON Islands and Australian Foreign Ministers met on Friday in Brisbane. The two Ministers renewed friendship and discussed bilateral issues of mutual concern.
Foreign Minister Marise Payne welcomed Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele to Australia and assured Minister Manele of Australia’s continuous development and security commitment to Solomon Islands irrespective of what is being said in the media.
Minister Manele acknowledged Minister Marise Payne for Australia’s cooperation with Solomon Islands and continue to view Australia as a close neighbour and a partner. The two Minister acknowledge the positive growth of Solomon Islands workers working in Australia and agreed to further discuss bilateral security cooperation.
Minister Payne registered Australia’s concern on Solomon Islands – China Security Cooperation and restated Australia position of respecting Solomon Islands decision.
Minister Manele once again assured Australia that the Solomon Islands – China Security Cooperation targets Solomon Islands domestic threats and compliments Solomon Islands -Australia Security Agreement.
Minister Manele wished Australia all the best in the coming national general elections.
Minister Manele is travelling to Fiji together with the Minister of Police, National Security and Correctional Services, Anthony Veke to meet with Fiji, MSG and Pacific SIDS and the Pacific Forum family on the broadening of Solomon Islands of Security cooperation.
-PM Press Secretariat
