PRIME Minister Jeremiah Manele praised the relationship between Solomon Islands and Australia, describing it as “durable and fruitful” during a joint press conference held yesterday – June 26, 2024.
PM Manele uttered those words when sharing the podium with his counterpart Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in front of the media in Canberra at the Parliament of Australia.
In further detailing the relationship, the Prime Minister stated that the”… relationship developed over many decades, bound together by one ocean, our rich culture, and people- to- people connections and guided by our mutual respect for each other’s sovereignty”.
“We are family, and there is not much we can do about the fact that we are very close neighbors- because the Almighty God has put us close together,” PM Manele added.
Underscoring the importance of the state visit, the Prime Minister stated that the visit is important for Solomon Islands and for him- as Prime Minister of Solomon Islands.
The Prime Minister further revealed the objectives of his visit, first, to thank the Australian government and people through the Prime Minister for all the assistance that has been rendered to Solomon Islands over the past many years and to discuss with Prime Minister Albanese ways to lift the current Solomon Islands- Australia relationship to another level, through transformational partnership.
Acknowledging the one on one discussion with PM Albanese and the cabinet meeting thereafter, PM Manele stated that many areas of mutually important strategic partnerships were discussed ranging from the highly successful and mutually beneficial Pacific Australia Labor Mobility Scheme to investments in infrastructures, police training and security, climate change, health, the new Pacific Engagement Visa to name a few.
In closing his media statement here in Canberra, the Prime Minister made a commitment to ensure the relationship with Australia goes from strength to strength, and further committed to finding amicable and win- win solutions to any area of partnerships that may require the attention of the cabinet.
Prime Minister also underscored that Solomon Islands need all its development partners given the broad development needs the country has.
In the series of meetings today, the Prime Minister held a one to one discussion with PM Albanese and later both Prime Ministers sat in a meeting with the cabinet members of the Albanese led government.
PM Manele also met with the Attorney General of Australia, Mark Dreyfus and later met with the Opposition Leader honorable Peter Dutton as well.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles also hosted a lunch for PM Manele at the Parliament of Australia.
