1
View
comments
Foreign Minister Marise Payne met with her Solomon Islands counterpart Jeremiah Manele in Brisbane overnight.
It comes amid tense relationships between Canberra and Honiara after the Solomons Island signed a security pact with China.
Senator Payne confirmed the meeting occurred as Mr Manele travelled through Brisbane on Friday, where she expressed concern about the lack of transparency around the pact.
Foreign Minister Marise Payne met with her Solomon Islands counterpart Jeremiah Manele in Brisbane overnight
Senator Payne confirmed the meeting occurred as Mr Manele travelled through Brisbane on Friday, where she expressed concern about the lack of transparency around the pact
'Australia has been consistent and clear in stating our respect for Solomon Islands' sovereign decision-making,' she said.
'We agreed that Australia remains Solomon Islands' security partner of choice.'
Senator Payne said she had been reassured the Pacific nation would not house a foreign military base.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the meeting between Senator Payne and Mr Manele reinforced Australia's role in the region.
'It also
