The Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands has assured Foreign Minister Penny Wong that there will be no foreign presence or military base established in the country, despite signing onto a security agreement with Beijing.
Concerns had been raised after the Pacific nation signed onto a security agreement with Beijing, which sparked fears China could build a military base on Australia's doorstep.
Speaking from Honiara, Ms Wong highlighted the constructive talks between the two and said she “welcomed” his assurances. "I welcome prime minister Sogavare’s reassurances that there will not be a military base, nor a persistent foreign military presence here in Solomon Islands," she told reporters on Friday.
“We live in the same region. Your security and our security are interlinked and that’s how we will approach our relationship with you.”
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