Australia's deputy prime minister pledges support to Solomon Islands during visit to Honiara
NEWCASTLE, Australia (AP) — Australia’s deputy prime minister pledged support to the Solomon Islands during a visit to the archipelago nation on Tuesday, as Canberra intensifies efforts to counter China’s growing influence in the South Pacific.
Richard Marles’ trip to the capital, Honiara, was the first by an Australian government minister since Jeremiah Manele was elected Solomon Islands’ new prime minister earlier this month.
Marles pledged to provide healthcare and border control support to the island nation and said at a news conference his visit provided an opportunity to discuss Solomons’ “priorities and the way in which Australia can help and contribute.”
“Australia sought to be the Solomons’ go-to security partner and had to work to earn that right. Hence, going to Solomon Islands quickly,” said Marles, who is also Australia’s defense minister.
Related articles
PHOTOS: At the Pet Gala, fashion goes to the dogs
NEW YORK (AP) — They may call it a catwalk, but the Pet Gala is the dogs’ time to shine.Designer Ant2024-05-22Nations push for safe development of nuclear energy
More than 30 heads of state, government leaders, senior representatives and chiefs of international2024-05-22Hong Kong defends new security law
The Commissioner's Office of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Re2024-05-22China, Australia to boost ties
China-Australia relations are back on the right track, and there should be no further hesitation, no2024-05-22Rafael Devers sets team record by homering in 6th straight game as Red Sox top Rays 5
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Rafael Devers set a team record by homering in his sixth consecutive gam2024-05-22China to do utmost to restore peace in Gaza: FM spokesperson
Since the outbreak of the latest Palestinian-Israeli conflict, China has striven for a cease-fire, e2024-05-22
atest comment