The new leader of Solomon Islands will visit Australia from Sunday to discuss security ties, government officials said — a sensitive area since the Pacific nation signed a secretive pact with China..

Solomons Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele will visit Canberra and Queensland on his week-long trip, Australian officials said.

It will be his first visit to Australia as prime minister since he replaced enthusiastic Beijing supporter Manasseh Sogavare in May.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will host Manele at parliament for talks to strengthen relations “including through security partnerships”, his office said in a statement on Friday.

“We highly value our position as Solomon Islands’ partner of choice,” Albanese said.