Solomon Islands Prime Minister meets Australian PM Albanese on security treaty

The Solomon Islands prime minister travelled to Canberra for a meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to discuss a new security treaty. The agreement is expected to set aside about $190 million for expanding and training the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force and to deepen defence cooperation between the two nations.

The negotiations come as the Solomon Islands' 2022 security pact with China remains a point of concern for Canberra. Australia is simultaneously finalising similar security arrangements with other Pacific neighbours while domestic politicians debate the AUKUS submarine deal and the direction of the country’s broader defence strategy.