Anthony Albanese has welcomed the new Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands. Jeremiah Manele, to Canberra, building the relationship with a key player in the Pacific region.
“We are honoured you have chosen Australia as your first official visit,” Mr Albanese said at the start of question time attended by Mr Manele.
“We also warmly welcome the fact that on your election, he recently said Australia remained Solomon Islands’ partner of choice and you want to see our relationship grow to new heights.
“Australia is with you on both counts.”
He also said Mr Manele would attend the second State of Origin clash between NSW and Queensland at the MCG with the Minister for Internationals Development and the Pacific Pat Conroy on Wednesday night.
“We wish you well at the MCG tonight and what will be an important Australian cultural event,” Mr Albanese, a diehard rugby league fan who won’t be attending, said.
“And I note, Prime Minister, your diplomatic skills were on show Tuesday when you will indicated you would be neutral this evening. That is a wise thing.”
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton also welcomed Mr Manele.
“Thank you very much for prioritising your visit here to Australia,” Mr Dutton said.
“It means an enormous amount to us and is a continuation of many decades of the relationship between the Solomon Islands and Australia.”
Albanese welcomes the end of the Assange ‘saga’
Mr Albanese has welcomed Julian Assange’s expected return to Australia after the WikiLeaks founder entered a plea deal with US prosecutors which has allowed him to walk free after a long running legal saga to avoid extradition to the US over espionage charges.
“Regardless of your views about his activities – and they will be varied – Mr Assange’s case has dragged on for too long,” Mr Albanese told the chamber in response to a question from Assange campaigner and independent MP Andrew Wilkie.
“I have said repeatedly that there was nothing to be gained by his continued incarceration.
“I am pleased that he is on his way home to Australia to reunite with his family here.”
Mr Albanese pointed to his government’s diplomatic efforts to lobby for Mr Assange’s release.
“We have used all appropriate channels, this outcome has been the product of careful, patient and determined work. Work I am very proud of,” he said.
“This is what standing up for Australians around the world looks like. It means getting the job done, getting results and getting outcomes.”
Mr Assange is expected to land in Canberra early Wednesday evening.
More to come