Australia, Solomon Islands agree to negotiate comprehensive treaty

Australia and ​the Solomon Islands have ​agreed to ‌negotiate a ​comprehensive treaty, the two countries' leaders said on Wednesday, a ‌victory for Australia as it vies with China for influence among Pacific Island nations.

Australia and ​the Solomon Islands have ​agreed to ‌negotiate a ​comprehensive treaty, the two countries' leaders said on Wednesday, a ‌victory for Australia as it vies with China for influence among Pacific Island nations. The announcement was ‌made during a visit to Canberra by Matthew ‌Wale, who was elected Solomon Islands prime minister last month and chose Australia as his first overseas trip.

"Today ⁠we've ​committed ⁠to elevate our bilateral relationship at the request of the ⁠Solomon Islands. This will be agreed in a new ​comprehensive treaty," Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told ⁠reporters at a joint press conference. "The Solomon Islands ⁠is ​Australia's friend, has always been and always will be," said Wale.

The Solomon Islands are ⁠around 1,600 km (1,000 miles) northeast of Australia. Its strategic ⁠importance has ⁠been in focus in recent years after it strengthened ties with China.