Fiji, Sept. 16 -- The United States says it welcomes Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale's shift in foreign policy and wants to strengthen economic and security ties with Honiara based on "transparency, collaboration and equal partnership."

Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matt Murray said Washington was encouraged by Wale's early international engagement, including visits to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, the United States and Japan.

"We're delighted to see Prime Minister Wale reprioritise his approach to foreign policy as he's come into power as prime minister," Murray said during a virtual press briefing.

Murray said Wale's visit to Washington last month had produced progress on several areas of bilateral...