AUSTRALIA’S Foreign Minister, Senator the Hon Penny Wong, has concluded her visit to Solomon Islands following engagements with Prime Minister Hon Jeremiah Manele, Government Ministers, and members of the community in Honiara.
In a meeting with Prime Minister Manele, Minister Wong said she was happy to be visiting Solomon Islands again to renew the strong ties that bind Australia and Solomon Islands and reaffirm Australia’s commitment to Solomon Islands as its number one economic, development, infrastructure and security partner.
Minister Wong also met with her counterpart, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon Peter Shanel, Minister of Finance and Treasury, Hon Manasseh Sogavare, Minister of Police, National Security and Correctional Services Jimson Tanangada and other members of the Government for National Unity and Transformation.
During discussions, Minister Wong reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to support Solomon Islands’ long term economic and development agendas.
“I was here to listen to the priorities of the Solomon Islands Government and people and discuss how we can transform our partnership to deliver on your priorities more quickly,” Minister Wong said.
“Australia will listen and respond to Solomon Islands’ needs and priorities on a basis of mutual trust, respect and open dialogue.
“We discussed areas where we could deepen our enduring partnership to support a peaceful, stable and prosperous Solomon Islands.”
On the second day of her visit, Minister Wong met members of the community to see how Australia’s support for the education sector is making a difference to the lives of young Solomon Islanders.
Minister Wong also met with Pacific-Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) workers to hear how the economic opportunities provided by the PALM scheme helps them support their families and communities.
“This has been a productive and rewarding visit. I look forward to continuing to work closely with Prime Minister Manele and the new government to advance the Solomon Islands – Australia partnership,” Minister Wong said.
This is Minister Wong’s third visit to Solomon Islands.
