CANBERRA, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison will visit the Solomon Islands in his first international trip since his re-election.
Morrison on Monday confirmed he will depart for the Solomon Islands on Sunday where he will meet with Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare before travelling to London and returning home via Singapore.
The visit is part of Morrison's pledge for Australia to "step up" in the Pacific and elevate it as a priority of the government.
On Sunday, Morrison announced that Alex Hawke, one of his biggest political rivals, will serve as his minister for international development and the pacific.
"It will be a very significant role for Australia's future and I think he has exactly the skills to ensure we're able to deliver," he said of the appointment.
Asked about the trip on Monday, Foreign Minister Marise Payne said that improving ties with close neighbours would be a major focus of the new government.
