International Minister Marise Payne has met together with her Solomon Islands counterpart in Brisbane in a bid to restore relations with the Pacific Island nation.
Payne met with Jeremiah Manele in a single day as he travelled by Brisbane.
It's the first high-level ministerial assembly between the 2 nations because the Solomon Islands signed a safety pact which might see China arrange a army base there.
"Australia has been constant and clear in stating our respect for Solomon Islands' sovereign decision-making, nonetheless we now have reiterated our deep issues in regards to the safety settlement with China, together with the shortage of transparency," Payne mentioned in an announcement.
"I once more strengthened this in my assembly tonight.
"We agreed that Australia stays Solomon Islands' safety associate of selection."
"I once more welcomed Prime Minister Sogavare's assurance that Solomon Islands is not going to be used for a overseas army base.
"Australia will at all times work constructively and respectfully with our Pacific household."
The assembly was welcomed by opposition chief Anthony Albanese.
"It is about time," he mentioned.
He mentioned he was not conscious if shadow overseas minister Penny Wong was invited to the assembly, however mentioned it might have been acceptable underneath caretaker mode guidelines which the federal government operates underneath throughout election campaigns.
The assembly got here a number of days after Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare mentioned his nation was being "threatened with invasion".
"We're being handled as kindergarten college students strolling round with Colt 45s in our palms, and subsequently we must be supervised," he advised his nation's parliament.
"We're insulted, Mr Speaker."
Earlier this week Prime Minister Scott Morrison described China constructing a army base on the Solomon Islands as a "purple line".
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