Solomons PM to meet Albanese with China pact in focus
As we prepare for talks with the Pacific country’s new prime minister, Anthony Albanese, an agreement between Australia and the Solomon Islands is on the agenda.
Matthew Wale is in Canberra for his first overseas trip since being elected by his country’s parliament in May.
Mr Wale has long been an advocate of linking his country diplomatically to Australia, but it was the Pacific nation’s relationship with China that attracted attention.
The Solomon Islands and China signed a security agreement in 2022 that partially eclipses the bilateral security arrangement Australia has had with its Pacific neighbor since 2017.
Mr Wale has criticized the Solomon family’s relationship with China, using the 2024 election to accuse his political rivals of “keeping up” with Beijing.
He has promised to reveal details of the secret 2022 security agreement if elected, but the information has not yet been made public.
The Solomons and Australia are likely to sign an agreement to allocate $190 million for the expansion and training of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force.
Another agreement between the countries is also expected to be discussed, but details have not been disclosed.
Australia has recently completed agreements with Tuvalu, Nauru and Papua New Guinea, and is working on a security agreement with Fiji.
Australian National University Pacific expert Anouk Ride said a wide range of issues would be covered during the visit.
“If it’s anything significant, we’ll have to wait a while to see,” he said.
The visit remains significant regardless of diplomatic milestones reached, as Solomon Islands is the only Pacific country to sign a security agreement with China.
“Perhaps his early visit here sends a signal about who he wants to contact,” Dr Ride said.
“We will have to wait to see how deep this relationship goes and whether it supersedes other countries.”
Mr Albanese said Mr Wale’s decision to visit Australia as his first destination highlighted the importance of ties between the two countries.
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