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Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles will travel to Kiribati for high-level talks with the country’s re-elected government before continuing to the Solomon Islands.
In Kiribati, the Deputy Prime Minister will meet with the Honourable Vice President Teuea Toatu to discuss shared economic, development and strategic priorities, including maritime security.
As part of the visit, Minister Marles will attend the commissioning of the Guardian Class patrol boat RKS Tobwaan Mainiku. Delivered last year, this vessel is the second of its class to enter service with Kiribati, joining RKS Teanoai II. The new patrol boat will significantly enhance Kiribati’s ability to monitor and safeguard its expansive exclusive economic zone.
The Deputy Prime Minister will also officially open the new Australian High Commission Chancery in Tarawa. This milestone highlights Australia’s enduring commitment to its partnership with Kiribati and underscores decades of cooperation to come.
Minister Marles said, “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. Australia deeply values our relationship with Kiribati and our close cooperation on maritime security, which dates back more than three decades.”
In the Solomon Islands, Minister Marles will hold discussions with Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and other ministers. This visit follows the December announcement by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister Manele regarding Australia’s support for expanding the size and capability of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, reinforcing Australia’s role as the Solomon Islands’ security partner of choice.
“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,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
Minister Marles will explore opportunities to strengthen the Australia–Solomon Islands partnership, built on mutual trust, respect and open dialogue, reflecting a shared vision for transformational collaboration.
This will be Minister Marles’ third visit to the Solomon Islands as Deputy Prime Minister.
