Australia Foreign Minister, Senator Penny Wong, met with Solomon Islands Prime Minister  Jeremiah Manele and Ministers of the Government for National Unity and Transformation in Honiara today.

The visiting Australia Foreign Minister in a meeting with the Prime Minister congratulated Manele on his appointment as Prime Minister and listened to the new government’s priorities.

“Prime Minister Manele is a good friend of Australia and our meeting today was an opportunity to discuss how we can work together to transform our partnership and assist Solomon Islands to meet its economic, social and security objectives more quickly,” Minister Wong said.

She highlighted Solomon Islands is an important partner for Australia and the two countries are neighbours with interconnected futures.

“I am pleased to personally reaffirm Australia’s commitment to Solomon Islands as its number one economic, development, infrastructure and security partner.”

Minister Wong also met with her counterpart, Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Hon Peter Shanel, Minister for Finance and Treasury Hon Manasseh Sogavare, and other members of the Government for National Unity and Transformation.

Minister Wong said Australia is committed to supporting Solomon Islands’ long- term economic growth.

“We will listen and respond to Solomon Islands’ needs and priorities on a basis of mutual trust, respect and open dialogue,” said Minister Wong.

Tomorrow Minister Wong will witness the handing over of Mbokona Community High School Science Laboratory Project to see how Australia’s support for the education sector is making a difference to the lives of young Solomon Islanders.

Minister Wong will also meet with Pacific-Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) workers to hear how the economic opportunities provided by the PALM scheme helps them support their families and communities.