NEWCASTLE, Australia (AP) — Australia’s deputy prime minister pledged support to the Solomon Islands during a visit to the archipelago nation on Tuesday, as Canberra intensifies efforts to counter China’s growing influence in the South Pacific.
Richard Marles’ trip to the capital, Honiara, was the first by an Australian government minister since Jeremiah Manele was elected Solomon Islands’ new prime minister earlier this month.
Marles pledged to provide healthcare and border control support to the island nation and said at a news conference his visit provided an opportunity to discuss Solomons’ “priorities and the way in which Australia can help and contribute.”
“Australia sought to be the Solomons’ go-to security partner and had to work to earn that right. Hence, going to Solomon Islands quickly,” said Marles, who is also Australia’s defense minister.
Wayne Bennett, at 74, signs a 3
Sharon Stone, 66, wants her 'acting career back' more than 20 years after suffering stroke
WNBA to see if Vegas tourism can sponsor Aces players for $100K
Bizarre moment RADAR picks up a structure above 'UFO hotbed' during rocket experiment
New Zealand Black Caps fans look to Twenty20 World Cup with hope, trepidation
Stewart helps New York top Indiana again 91
Trump will address the NRA. He's called himself the best president for gun owners
Caitlin Clark returns for 2nd half against Sun after apparent left leg injury in 1st half
Bayer Leverkusen completes unprecedented unbeaten Bundesliga season and Cologne relegated
Protesters against war in Gaza interrupt Blinken repeatedly in the Senate
Bengaluru knocks out champion Chennai and squeezes into IPL playoffs