00:00The new Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, Matthew Wale, is visiting Australia, where
00:05he hopes to negotiate a strategic treaty with Canberra.
00:09Today we have committed to elevate our bilateral relationship.
00:14At the request of the Solomon Islands, this will be agreed in a new comprehensive treaty
00:20underpinned by mutual trust, respect and open dialogue.
00:25This treaty will allow Australia and the Solomon Islands to confront global and regional challenges
00:32as partners.
00:34The Australian Prime Minister says he will negotiate a support package for the Solomon Islands to
00:39help with high energy prices and disaster relief.
00:43Wale's visit comes three weeks after he took office.
00:46He's also looking to review a security agreement signed with China in 2022.
00:51Wale has been critical of Beijing in the past.
00:55The Solomon Islands used to be one of Taiwan's diplomatic allies before switching recognition
00:59to Beijing in 2019.
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