Manele’s first PM visit to Australia will focus on building strong ties and meeting Solomon Islanders who now call Australia home
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has a full packed visit as of this weekend till July. The Prime Minister will make his first official visit to Australia between the 23rd and 29th June 2024. During his visit, which will focus on Brisbane and Canberra, the Prime Minister will meet with his counterpart, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and senior ministers.
He will also visit various institutions and engage with members of the Solomon Islands diaspora in Australia, including participants of the Pacific Mobility Scheme, aimed at fostering support for Solomon Islands. Prime Minister Manele aims to use this visit to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries and reaffirm his government’s commitment to working with Australia in areas of mutual interest.
The bilateral relationship between Australia and the Solomon Islands is characterized by historical ties, significant development aid from Australia, close security cooperation, economic relations including trade and investment, strong cultural exchanges and overall positive diplomatic relations.
Following the visit to Australia, Prime Minister Manele will make his first official visit to China in his capacity as Prime Minister in early July. He will visit Fujian Province, Beijing and Shandong Province.
The bilateral relationship between the Solomon Islands and China has strengthened since the Solomon Islands shifted diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 2019. This shift has led to significant economic cooperation, including infrastructure projects and trade, cultural exchanges and positive diplomatic relations
During this visit, the Prime Minister will meet with the leadership in Beijing and each of the provinces. Prime Minister Manele seeks to use the visit to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries and reaffirm his government’s commitment to working with China in areas of mutual interest.
Following the visit to China, Prime Minister Manele will join other Pacific Forum Leaders for the PALM 10 meeting in Tokyo, Japan, from 16-18 July.
Initiated by Japan in 1997, PALM has developed into a crucial biennial summit aimed at strengthening ties between Japan and 18 Pacific island nations who are members of the Pacific Islands Forum.
Source: OPMC Press Secretariat
