Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare met with his Australian counterpart in Canberra on Thursday, months after the island nation signed a security pact with China. Sogavare stressed that his government would never allow a foreign military base in the country.

In the meeting, he said "I reiterate again that Solomon Islands will never be used for foreign military installations or institutions of foreign countries, because this will not be in the interest of Solomon Islands and its people."

Australia and its allies have expressed concerns over the security pact with China.

Sogavare and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese released a joint statement.

It said they "reaffirmed mutual security commitments, and the Pacific-family-first approach to regional peace and security."

The Solomon Islands is apparently courting support from Australia and other western countries by trying to ease their concerns over its relations with China.