Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne says she is meeting with Solomon Islands counterpart Jeremiah Manele for the first time since the island nation signed a controversial security pact with China and agreed that Australia remains a preferred partner. as reported by Reuters.
Australia, the United States and New Zealand have expressed concern about the security pact, fearing increased Pacific militarization and growing Chinese influence in a region traditionally under their control. Details of the agreement have not been made public.
Payne told Reuters in a statement on Saturday that she had met with Manele on Friday. He said he reiterated the Australian Government’s deep concern over the security deal with China, including the lack of transparency.
“We have agreed that Australia remains the Solomon Islands’ preferred security partner,” he said.
Payne added that she once again welcomed the assurance of the Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands that the Pacific country will not host a foreign military base and said that Australia will work constructively and with respect with her family in the Pacific.
Source: Capital
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