Travel to Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, will travel to Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands from 16-17 August.

In Papua New Guinea, the Deputy Prime Minister will meet with the Hon James Marape, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea. 

Deputy Prime Minister Marles will also meet with the Hon Elias Kapavore, Minister for Defence of Papua New Guinea. This will be their first meeting since Minister Kapavore’s appointment as Minister for Defence.

Discussions will focus on strengthening defence cooperation and advancing implementation of the historic Pukpuk Treaty, which entered into force on 8 July 2026.

Australia’s Alliance with Papua New Guinea reflects the deep trust we share as neighbours and partners, and our shared commitment to a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region where sovereignty is respected. 

In Solomon Islands, the Deputy Prime Minister will meet with the Hon Matthew Wale, CBE, Prime Minister of Solomon Islands and senior ministers to build on discussions during Prime Minister Wale’s visit to Australia in May, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong’s visit to Solomon Islands in July.

The Deputy Prime Minister will also join Solomon Islands Government ministers in opening the Western Border Outpost in the Shortland Islands.

The Western Border Outpost is a joint infrastructure project between the Australian and Solomon Islands governments. The new facility brings together Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, Customs, Immigration, and Biosecurity officials in a single location. The Outpost will also support Solomon Islands' Guardian-class Patrol Boats, while enhancing border security and maritime surveillance.

Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:

"Papua New Guinea and Australia are the closest of partners and friends, and now allies, with a long history of defence cooperation. 

“I welcome the opportunity to meet with Prime Minister Marape and Minister Kapavore to discuss how we can continue advancing our shared security interests under the Pukpuk Treaty.

"I also look forward to visiting Solomon Islands to meet with Prime Minister Wale and joining Solomon Islands Government ministers in opening the Western Border Outpost facility. 

“Pacific security is most effective when it is led by Pacific nations. Australia is proud to work alongside our Pacific partners to support their priorities and contribute to a secure, stable and resilient region.”

MEDIA NOTE: Media can access imagery/vision at: https://images.defence.gov.au/S20262487