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. |
Survey finds 8,000 women a month got abortion pills despite their states' bans or restrictionsBryan Reynolds' bat, Mitch Keller's arm help Pirates to 8Austrian court says convicted rapist Josef Fritzl can be moved to prison from psychiatric detentionTom Holland praises his 'incredible' Romeo & Juliet coBiden's 102% tariff on Chinese EVs adds to tensions with BeijingSurvey finds 8,000 women a month got abortion pills despite their states' bans or restrictionsHundreds of Syrian refugees head home as antiKhloe Kardashian takes True and Tatum to see dad Tristan Thompson play for the FIRST TIMETexas A&MPaul Mescal looks suave as he reunites with glamorous Normal People co