In a landmark meeting, Anthony Albanese MP, Prime Minister of Australia, warmly welcomed Jeremiah Manele, Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, to Canberra.
This significant visit marks PM Manele’s first international trip as Prime Minister, underscoring the deep and enduring relationship between the two nations.
The meeting comes on the heels of recent visits to Honiara by Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong, reflecting the high priority Australia places on its partnership with the Solomon Islands.
PM Albanese said in a statement:
“Australia and Solomon Islands are family with interconnected futures – we share a region, an ocean and a history of partnership. Australia is Solomon Islands’ partner of choice – with the largest development and security cooperation programs in the Solomon Islands, and substantial infrastructure cooperation, economic and people-to-people links.”
During their discussions, the leaders celebrated several recent milestones, including the successful delivery of secure elections and the Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands, supported by the Pacific Islands Forum members (Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea).
Looking to the future, the leaders outlined a vision for a transformational Australia-Solomon Islands partnership, committing to work together to overcome challenges and achieve shared ambitions.
Economic growth and job creation are central to Solomon Islands’ future, and Australia is committed to supporting these priorities.
The leaders discussed ways to attract increased international investment to provide secure and quality infrastructure for the Solomon Islands. The Bina Harbour development was highlighted as a key priority, along with the benefits of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme, which fosters important community and people-to-people connections. The new Pacific Engagement Visa will further deepen these linkages.
Recognising Australia as the Solomon Islands’ security partner of choice, the leaders discussed a request from the Solomon Islands to assist in expanding and enhancing the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF).
The Solomon Islands Government aims to increase its police force from 1,500 to 3,000 officers, with a long-term goal of 5,000 officers. This decadal programme aims to enhance regional stability and strengthen Solomon Islands’ sovereignty.
Australia’s continued support for the RSIPF is pivotal in enabling the Solomon Islands to meet its own security needs and reduce reliance on external partners. The leaders endorsed Solomon Islands’ three-tier security arrangement, focusing on enhanced domestic capability, assistance from Melanesian Spearhead Group countries, and support from Pacific Islands Forum members. This framework is crucial for bolstering the Solomon Islands’ sovereignty, stability, and resilience.
The leaders also reaffirmed the importance of the Pacific Islands Forum and its associated statements, including the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and the 2018 Boe Declaration on Regional Security. As the Solomon Islands prepares to assume the chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, both leaders committed to strengthening Pacific policing capabilities and furthering the Pacific Policing Initiative. They look forward to discussing regional policing and law enforcement outcomes at the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in August 2024. Australia will assist the Solomon Islands in hosting the Forum Leaders’ Meeting in 2025.
Addressing the critical issue of climate change, the leaders agreed to continue working together to tackle its impacts. This includes support for the Pacific Resilience Facility and Australia’s bid to host COP31 in partnership with the Pacific.
Health systems and outcomes in the Solomon Islands were also a key focus. The leaders noted Solomon Islands’ aspirations to eliminate domestic malaria transmission by 2030 and eradicate the disease by 2035, alongside reversing the incidence of non-communicable diseases. Australia is committed to supporting these health strategies.
Reflecting on the strong ties between their countries, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to building on these foundations and advancing their shared vision for a peaceful, prosperous, and resilient Pacific.
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