Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and the Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese formally meet on Wednesday at the margins of the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Honiara.
Prime Minister Manele welcomed Prime Minister Albanese, noting it was his first visit to Solomon Islands.
He thanked the Australian Government for its support, including assistance that made it possible for Solomon Islands to host the Forum Leaders Meeting.
He commended Australia’s contributions through the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, as well as in the security, law and justice sectors.
Prime Minister Manele said that with the launch of the National Security Strategy, the Government now needs proper planning to ensure security priorities also capture the needs of provinces.
He also briefed Prime Minister Albanese on progress with the Police Academy, which will be supported by Australia.
Prime Minister Albanese said he looked forward to the Solomon Islands Government’s plans for the academy and highlighted the support already provided by Australian police in the country.
He noted this was his fourth Forum since being re-elected in May this year and said it was an honour to be in Solomon Islands.
He highlighted the broad relationship between the two countries, including labour mobility and security cooperation, and reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to assist with the Police Academy.
Prime Minister Albanese also acknowledged climate change as the most pressing issue for the Pacific and welcomed the outcomes of the Forum Leaders Meeting.
He said he looked forward to travelling to the Western Province for the Leaders’ Retreat.
Both leaders reaffirmed their strong relationship, which had earlier been marked by an exchange of gifts.
– OPMC
