Source : Perth Now news
Newly elected Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale will make his first overseas visit as leader to Australia.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will host Mr Wale for a leaders’ meeting at Parliament House on June 3.
The Solomon islands leader, who was elected as prime minister earlier in May after his predecessor was ousted in a no-confidence vote, will visit Canberra alongside a delegation of cabinet ministers.
Economic development and security in the Pacific are expected to be high on the agenda during the talks.
“I congratulate Prime Minister Wale on his recent appointment and look forward to welcoming him to Australia,” Mr Albanese said in a statement.
“Prime Minister Wale’s decision to make Australia his first official international visit emphasises the importance of the relationship between our nations.
“Despite the global challenges we confront, we recognise we are stronger facing these together as partners.”
Mr Wale has previously been critical of a deal signed between the Solomon Islands and China, which was agreed upon in 2022 and prompted concern from Australia.
He said that deal would impact security in the region and put at risk other relationships with allies.
However, he has since softened his stance, leading a delegation to Beijing in 2025 and provided support of the one-China principle.
