The Prime Minister has opened up on his meeting with his Solomon Islands counterpart amid the tensions between the two nations over Honiara's signing of a security pact with China.
Mr Albanese was on Thursday asked what was spoken about and whether he flagged concerns of a military base being built less than 2,000 kilometres from Australia's east coast.
"To make sure that our interests, but also their interests, are protected. We need to be prepared to listen to what they have to say, be prepared to assist in their development.Mr Albanese is in Fiji for his fourth international trip since becoming Prime Minister to attend the Pacific Islands Forum. Picture: Joe Armao - Pool/Getty Images
The 15-minute meeting between the duo comes during the Pacific Island Forum where leaders from 18 nations, including Australia and New Zealand, met to discuss issues such as climate change and security in the strategic region. The United States joined Australia on Wednesday in bolstering its presence in the Pacific Islands to counter China's rising influence.
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