SOLOMON Islands High Commissioner to Australia, Robert Sisilo has reiterated Prime Minister (PM) Jeremiah Manele’s bold statement to his Australian counterpart that his priority is to revitalize Solomon Islands economy and unite the country.
When was asked by the Australian Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) last Friday on Solomon Islands priorities, High Commissioner Sisilo recalled what PM Manele stated to his Australian counterpart PM Anthony Albanese in their meeting in Canberra on 24 June. The meeting was part of PM Manele’s engagements during his first state visit to Australia as Prime Minister.
High Commissioner Sisilo told the Comittee that PM Manele in no uncertain terms told PM Albanese that his priority now is to revitalize the [Solomon Islands] economy and unite the country.
“And as Solomon Islands partner of choice, my Prime Minister looks forward to a more transformative engagement with Australia on the Bina Harbour Tuna Cannery Project, Climate Change, the Pacific Australia Labor Mobility (PALM) scheme, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and security cooperation,” the Solomon Islands Government envoy reiterated to the JSCFADT.
“Economic growth and job creation are vital for Solomon Islands’ future and your Prime Minister has committed to creating jobs via PALM, delivering priority infrastructure and building prosperity for Solomon Islanders, through its longstanding economic and development partnership.
“Both leaders look forward to further deepening linkages through the new Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) and ensuring workers are not exploited,” he added.
Roundtables of Pacific Island Heads of Missions in Canberra for inquiries of the JSCFADT are held regularly, the last two in February 2024 and August 2023.
The JSCFADT is to consider and report on such matters relating to foreign affairs, defence and trade as may be referred to it by either House of the Parliament or a Minister.
The Committee may also inquire into matters raised in annual reports of relevant Commonwealth Government departments and authorities or into reports of the Commonwealth Auditor-General.
