Jun 2, 2026 – 8.00pmThe new prime minister of the Solomon Islands is set to meet Anthony Albanese on Wednesday as Australia seeks to launch talks with its Pacific neighbour for a new comprehensive treaty, resetting relations at a time of rising strategic competition with China.Australia has rolled out the red carpet in an attempt to shift the dial back towards Canberra’s regional interests after an uncertain period when Honiara has been at the heart of what Foreign Minister Penny Wong has called a “permanent contest” to be the “partner of choice” in the Indo-Pacific.Subscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Fetching latest articles