National

Liberals offer bipartisanship in Pacific

By AAP Newswire

Jun 24, 2022

A file photo of Peter Dutton — Opposition Leader Peter Dutton is keen to build his relationships with Pacific Island leaders. -AAP Image

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton will seek a unity ticket with Labor in the Pacific after tensions strained Australia's relationship with the Solomon Islands.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

Honiara has been critical of Australia's response after the Solomon Islands signed a security agreement with China.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong has toured the Pacific three times since taking office last month as she attempts to repair bilateral relationships ahead of the Pacific Island Forum in mid-July.

Mr Dutton says he will continue to build on the relationships the coalition established while in office.

"I've met with the leaders and to the extent that we could over the course of COVID, most of it obviously virtually," he told reporters in Canberra on Friday.

"I've been friends and met with delegations and spoken with Pacific Island leaders over my time in Parliament, and I'm very, very keen to continue that relationship, to build that relationship, to offer bipartisan support."

The opposition leader emphasised the importance of the region to Australia.Â

"We're talking about family and near neighbours that we need to work even more closely with," he said.

"So I'd be very happy to support the government in any way."

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press