Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to congratulate Prime Minister Wale on his recent election as Prime Minister of Solomon Islands. Solomon Islands is an important nation in our region, and Matthew Wale was elected just a short time ago. I spoke to him on 15 May and congratulated him on his election. I invited him to visit Australia; I am very pleased that he will be here next week for an official visit—his first visit as prime minister of the Solomons. He will be accompanied by senior cabinet ministers from the Solomon Islands government and will meet members of the government and members of the opposition, and, of course, will be welcomed formally on the forecourt of Parliament House. Prime Minister Wale will discuss opportunities for further economic development and security cooperation with Australia. We had a very warm discussion; I've now had two discussions with him. It says a lot that the first international visit he is choosing to make is to here in Australia, and he will be a very welcome guest indeed. Despite the global challenges that we confront, we recognise that we will be stronger if we face these things together—the challenge of dealing with climate change, the challenge of dealing with security issues in our region. He will be a most honoured guest.