Australian defence minister in Solomon Islands

Australia’s defence minister is due to meet the leader of the Solomon Islands, Manasseh Sogavare, on Wednesday to discuss security, on a two-day visit that comes as China takes a bigger role in the Pacific nation’s police force.
Richard Marles, on his first visit to the Solomon Islands as defence minister, was also expected to meet members of the Solomon Islands International Assistance Force, which includes Australian police deployed in 2021 at Sogavare’s request to quell anti-government riots.
Marles, in comments before he arrived in the capital, Honiara, said Australia’s partnership with Solomon Islands was “more important than ever”.
“That is why we will continue to ensure Australia’s engagement across all sectors – including on jobs, health and security – is responsive to Solomon Islands’ needs and fit-for-purpose,” he said in a statement.
Australia is a major aid donor and has a decades-long security relationship with the Solomon Islands.