Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has arrived in the country on Sunday on a two-day state visit.
His trip to Honiara marks his first overseas trip since being elected in the May 18 election.
For Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, Mr Morrison is his first overseas counterpart to officially visit him.
The last Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd visited Honiara about ten years in 2008.
Mr Morrison touched at the Honiara international airport at 5.20pm to a colourful welcome.
His party was greeted on arrival by Prime Minister Sogavare, his wife Madam Emmy Sogavare , Foreign Affairs Minister Jeremiah Manele and other top government officials.
After being welcomed and garlanded Mr Morrison then inspected a guard of honour at the tarmac.
Both prime ministers will hold bilateral talk later today.
It was highlighted that both leaders will discuss China’s present in the region.Other issues at the top of agenda will be climate change, labour mobility and ongoing Australia’s support to Solomon Islands.
Mr Morrison has also announced a financial package to support Solomon Islands workers getting employment in Australia over three years.
Prime Minister Morrison will also meet with the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) president William Lai today to look at ways that Australia can assist the country in football.
Its understood Mr Morrison will also meet with former Prime Minister Rick Hou today.
One of the major projects being supported by the Australian government is the the undersea cable which is set to be completed and launched September this year.
By IAN M.KAUKUI
