The newly elected Solomon Islands prime minister will visit Australia for talks with Anthony Albanese, with hopes the former China critic will prioritise ties with Canberra ahead of those with Beijing.
Albanese will host Matthew Wale for a leaders’ meeting at Parliament House on 3 June.
Wale, who was elected as prime minister earlier this month after his predecessor was removed in a no-confidence vote, will visit alongside a delegation of cabinet ministers.
Economic development and security are expected to be high on the agenda.
“Prime Minister Wale’s decision to make Australia his first official international visit emphasises the importance of the relationship between our nations,” Albanese said.
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“Despite the global challenges we confront, we recognise we are stronger facing these together as partners.”
Wale has been critical of a deal signed between the Solomon Islands and China, which was agreed upon in 2022 and sparked concerns from Australia.
The policing and military deal would impact security in the region and put relationships with other allies at risk, he warned at the time.
He has since softened his stance, leading a delegation to Beijing and offering support to the nation’s ‘One China’ foreign policy position.
Australia has signalled it is willing to upgrade security ties with the Solomon Islands, if Wale is prepared to do so.
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