Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, will travel this week to Kiribati for high-level talks with the country's re-elected Government, and will also travel to Solomon Islands.
In Kiribati, the Deputy Prime Minister will meet the Hon Vice President Teuea Toatu to discuss Australia and Kiribati's economic, development and strategic priorities, including maritime security.
The Deputy Prime Minister will attend the commissioning of Guardian-class Patrol Boat RKS Tobwaan Mainiku. The new vessel, delivered last year, is the second to enter service with Kiribati, joining RKS Teanoai II, and will enhance Kiribati's ability to protect and patrol its vast exclusive economic zone.
He will also open the new Australian High Commission Chancery in Tarawa, representing Australia's enduring commitment to working alongside Kiribati for decades to come.
In Solomon Islands, the Deputy Prime Minister will meet with Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and other Ministers. This visit comes after Prime Minister Albanese and Prime Minister Manele announced in December Australia's support to grow the size and capability of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, reflecting Australia's role as Solomon Islands' security partner of choice.
The Deputy Prime Minister will discuss our countries' shared vision for a transformational Australia-Solomon Islands partnership, based on mutual trust, respect and open dialogue.
It will be his third visit to Solomon Islands as Deputy Prime Minister.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP:
"Australia deeply values our relationship with Kiribati and our close cooperation on maritime security, which dates back more than three decades.
"We are continuing our enduring partnership by delivering a second Guardian-class Patrol Boat to the Government of Kiribati, as agreed by Prime Minister Albanese and President Maamau in December 2023.
"I look forward to meeting with Prime Minister Manele again in Honiara, to build on discussions about the strong and enduring partnership between our two nations.
"Australia is a steadfast security partner for Solomon Islands and is committed to supporting their ambition to grow the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, as its security partner of choice."
