Australian Prime Minister visits Solomon Islands on his first trip abroad

New Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison will make his first trip abroad to Solomon Islands next week.

Mr. Morrison sends a strong signal to the Pacific on its importance to Australia in making Solomon Islands its first overseas destination since winning the federal election.

L & # 39; Australian reports that the planned visit comes "amid increasing regional tensions over China's efforts to persuade Pacific countries to cut ties with Taiwan and US warnings that the situation could lead to a conflict."

Minister of Foreign Affairs Marise Payne told the ABC National Radio that the visit is not an attempt to ward off a potentially larger Chinese presence in the region.

Senator Payne said the visit would strengthen the "strengthening" of the Pacific Government in order to strengthen Australia's ties with its neighbors.

"Prime Minister Morrison says … more importantly to our family in the Pacific, our neighbors in the Pacific, it is here that Australia lives and that 's what is important to us, "she said. ABC National Radio.

Mr. Morrison is more focused on the region by appointing Alex Hawke to Cabinet as Minister for the Pacific and International Development.

The trip will be part of Morrison's pivot to make the Pacific region a major strategic priority.

Morrison will meet Prime Minister Manbadeh Sogavare in Honiara on Sunday before heading to London for the 75th anniversary of the landing.