The Solomon Islands has congratulated Australia’s new Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on his election win as the 31st Prime Minister of Australia. Yet, “much however, remains to be done,” says Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.
In a statement on Sunday, Sogavare said Albanese’s election victory signifies the acceptance of Albanese’s vision for the country and more broadly in relation to Australia’s neighbors in the region and internationally.
While Sogavare acknowledged Australia’s tremendous assistance to Solomon Islands over the years, particularly in response to COVID-19 and national security, he believes there are matters of regional interest to be dealt with.
“My Government and People are forever grateful to you, the Government and People of Australia for the generous support, financially and in-kind during and after these testing times. Much however, remains to be done,” PM Sogavare said.
Solomon Islands security agreement with China was a contentious issue discussed during the 2022 Australian Election. Sogavare had written to Albanese with the assurance that his country “remains Australia’s steadfast friend and development partner of choice”.
PM Sogavare has affirmed that he will “take Solomon Islands’ relationship with Australia to another level under Albanese’s tenure”.
