TRUST and regional responsibility dominated discussion on security at the Canberra press conference, with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale framing future cooperation in terms of the Pacific family.
Albanese said Australia wanted to remain the region’s security partner of choice and insisted Pacific nations should look after security in the Pacific.
“We are and we want to continue to be the security partner of choice for the Solomon Islands, and indeed for the region,” Albanese said.
“The Pacific family should look after security in the Pacific.”
Wale said that approach was important going forward, adding that the first reference point in security matters should be within the region, both bilaterally and eventually at the regional level.
“The first reference point should be within the region in such matters,” Wale said.
That position aligned with the announcement that Solomon Islands and Australia would negotiate a comprehensive strategic treaty underpinned by mutual trust, respect and open dialogue.
The two governments also confirmed they would move to the next phase of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force-Australian Federal Police partnership and build on the Pacific Policing Initiative.
Together, the announcements signalled that security cooperation is being framed not only through bilateral ties, but also through a wider regional understanding of shared responsibility.
Albanese said the treaty would be built on “mutual trust, respect and open dialogue” as the two countries work through future challenges.
