Australian Foreign Minister meets with Solomon Islands government
Australia’s Foreign Minister, Senator the Hon Penny Wong, is in Honiara to meet with Prime Minister Hon Jeremiah Manele and Ministers of the Government for National Unity and Transformation.
In a meeting with Prime Minister Hon Jeremiah Manele, Minister Wong congratulated the Prime Minister on his appointment and listened to the new government’s priorities.
“Prime Minister Manele is a good friend of Australia and our meeting today was an opportunity to discuss how we can work together to transform our partnership, and assist Solomon Islands to meet its economic, social and security objectives more quickly,” Minister Wong said.
“Solomon Islands is an important partner for Australia. Our two countries are close neighbours with interconnected futures”.
“I was pleased to personally reaffirm Australia’s commitment to Solomon Islands as its number one economic, development, infrastructure and security partner. We welcome Prime Minister Manele’s willingness to explore much larger bilateral cooperation between our two countries.”
Australian Foreign Minister the Hon Senator Penny Wong meets with her Solomon Islands counterpart Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade the Hon Peter Shanel Agovaka
Minister Wong also met with her counterpart, Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Hon Peter Shanel, Minister for Finance and Treasury Hon Manasseh Sogavare, and other members of the Government for National Unity and Transformation.
Minister Wong said Australia is committed to supporting Solomon Islands’ long-term economic growth.
“We will listen and respond to Solomon Islands’ needs and priorities on a basis of mutual trust, respect and open dialogue,” Minister Wong said.
Australian Foreign Minister the Hon Senator Penny Wong receiving a traditional gift from Finance Minister Manasseh Sogavare
On the second day of the visit, Minister Wong will meet members of the community to see firsthand how Australia’s support for the education sector is making a difference to the lives of young Solomon Islanders.
Minister Wong will also meet 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.
Minister Wong’s visit continues.
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AHC