Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Richard Marles, visited the Solomon Islands on Tuesday, May 21st, pledging support to the island nation. This move indicates Australia’s efforts to increase diplomatic engagement in order to counter China’s growing influence in the South Pacific.
Earlier this month, Jeremiah Manele was elected as the new Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands. This marked the first time Australia has sent a senior official to visit the island nation since Manele’s election.
According to an official statement from the Solomon Islands, Manele told Marles, “Australia remains the preferred partner for the Solomon Islands, and I hope that during my tenure as Prime Minister, our relationship can reach new heights.”
“I would like to discuss the possibility of establishing broader bilateral cooperation to expedite the transformation process. This will help the Solomon Islands achieve its economic, social, and security goals more efficiently,” Manele said.
Marles stated that Manele informed him about the ongoing security review in the Solomon Islands, which will determine the future of law enforcement cooperation between the two countries.
“Australia aims to become the preferred security cooperation partner for the Solomon Islands and is working diligently to secure that position. Hence, the swift visit to the Solomon Islands by Australia,” Marles said.
Australia also committed to supporting the Solomon Islands in areas such as infrastructure development, security, healthcare, education, trade, border management, elections, judicial reform, and labor mobility. Marles announced that Australia has pledged 50 million Australian dollars (approximately 33.3 million US dollars) for border management and to establish healthcare centers for pre and post-natal care for mothers.
This high-level visit comes at a time when competition for influence in the South Pacific is intensifying.
In July 2023, the Solomon Islands became the first Pacific island nation to sign a significant law enforcement agreement with China, raising concerns among traditional partners like Australia, New Zealand, and the United States about China’s maritime ambitions in the region.
Located 1,600 kilometers (approximately 990 miles) northeast of Australia, the Solomon Islands hold a strategic geographical position.
Australia is the largest aid donor to the Solomon Islands. In April this year, Australia provided law enforcement support for the Solomon Islands national elections.
Marles emphasized that the relationship with the Solomon Islands is of utmost importance to Australia, and the new government presents an opportunity to establish new partnerships.