Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, will travel to Kiribati and Solomon Islands this week.
While in Kiribati, the Deputy Prime Minister will meet with the Hon Taneti Maamau, President of Kiribati and attend an official state reception with senior ministers and officials.
He will also mark the construction of new wharf and workshop facilities to support Kiribati's maritime security, continuing Australia's proud history as Kiribati's largest development partner.
In the Solomon Islands, the Deputy Prime Minister will meet with the Hon Jeremiah Manele, Prime Minister of Solomon Islands and other Ministers, to discuss further opportunities for economic, development and security cooperation.
He will also hand over a set of drones to assist the Solomons' Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response capabilities.
Australia is committed to working closely with the Solomon Islands as its security partner of choice, built on a relationship founded by mutual trust, respect and open dialogue between both nations.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:
"Australia is proud to partner with the Government and people of Kiribati to realise their maritime security priorities, as we have done for three decades.
"I also look forward to the opportunity to meet Prime Minister Manele again in Honiara, as we continue to support Solomon Islands' development, regional security and resilience."
