A key part of getting the Government back to work following the election campaign is re-engaging with our neighbours, partners and allies around the world. That is why next week I will travel to Solomon Islands, United Kingdom and Singapore from 2-7 June.
My first overseas visit following the election will be to a key member of our Pacific family, Solomon Islands, which is one of Australia’s nearest and most important neighbours.
I will be accompanied in Honiara by the Minister for International Development and the Pacific Alex Hawke. This trip will show our Pacific Step Up in action.
The Pacific is front and centre of Australia’s strategic outlook. I look forward to meeting with Prime Minister Sogavare as we set out a partnership of deeper engagement and build on the family and community bonds Australia shares with the Pacific.
During my visit to the United Kingdom I will represent Australia at the 75th anniversary commemoration of the D-Day landings. I will pay tribute to the service and sacrifices made by Australians, and those from allied nations, in preserving our freedom, values and way of life. D-Day symbolises our commitment to standing together to meet the challenges Australia and our international partners face.
The visit to the United Kingdom will also be an opportunity to meet with other leaders to build support for our proposed G20 initiative to stop terrorists exploiting the internet and social media. Following the shocking terrorist act in New Zealand in March, we must do what we can to ensure it does not happen again.
My Government is strongly committed to deepening Australia’s relations with Southeast Asia. I look forward to meeting Prime Minister His Excellency Mr Lee Hsien Loong again in Singapore for our Annual Leaders Meeting. I will be joined by the Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne and the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham and our focus will be on enhancing the excellent economic, security and strategic cooperation between our two countries.
Australia and the world face uncertain times and global economic headwinds. Our engagement with our family and neighbours and international partners is more important than ever.
