Fiji, July 8 -- Australia and Solomon Islands will begin negotiations on a new comprehensive treaty, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirming discussions are already underway following talks with Prime Minister Matthew Wale in Honiara.

Speaking after their meeting, Albanese said the two countries had agreed that Wale would visit Australia to negotiate the treaty.

"I welcome the vision and energy of Prime Minister Wale that he is bringing to our relationship, including our agreement on his visit to Australia to negotiate a new comprehensive treaty between our two nations.

"We'll be working closely together to capture our shared ambition to elevate our relationship, underpinned by mutual trust, respect and open dialogue," PM Alban...