New Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale will visit New Zealand this week for high-level talks with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, marking one of his first overseas engagements since taking office.
Luxon said he was pleased to welcome Wale to New Zealand only weeks after he became Prime Minister, describing Solomon Islands as an important partner and recalling his own visit to the Pacific nation last year.
The leaders are expected to discuss Wale’s priorities for Solomon Islands and explore opportunities to strengthen cooperation between the two countries. New Zealand and Solomon Islands have a longstanding relationship spanning a range of areas, including education, economic development, fisheries and policing.
Wale will be joined by Solomon Islands Foreign Minister Rick Houenipwela and Education Minister Stephen Kumi during the visit. As part of the programme, the delegation will also meet Foreign Minister Winston Peters and spend time with members of the Solomon Islands community living in New Zealand.
