The Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Dr. Derek Sikua, has said that his government welcomes a proposal from the Australian government to pursue pacific partnership development agreement with Pacific Island nations.

He adds that his coalition for national unity and rural advancement government appreciates the Australian government's firm commitment to a new era of cooperation with Pacific Islands, including the re-building of Solomon Islands.

Dr Sikua assured his Australian counterpart that his government will work closely with the Rudd government to address the many challenges facing the region.
But he mentioned that it is important to ensure that specific challenges facing each Islands nation should be addressed.

"For Solomon Islands achieving and keeping social, economic and political stability are the number one challenge and priorities.

"My government is firmly committed to work closely with Australia and other developing partners to achieve rural development in strife for a better quality of life for our people," Dr Sikua said.