Australian security capabilities were on display during a high-level visit from Hon Jimson Tanangada, Minister of Police, National Security and Correctional Services, to Australia.
Minister Tanangada was joined by Hon Stephen Kumi, Member of Parliament for Temotu Nende, Hon Morris Toiraena, Member of Parliament for East Honiara, Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Commissioner Mostyn Mangau, Policy Secretary Lanelle Tanangada, and Deputy Secretary Trevor Unusu.
Minister Tanangada travelled to Townsville, Canberra and Brisbane, where he observed capability demonstrations from the Australian Defence Force, Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force and Queensland Corrective Services.
The Australian Army’s 3rd Brigade hosted the delegation in Townsville, where Minister Tanangada was given an up close and personal look at Australia’s armoured capabilities, including the M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tank, and the Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle.
In Canberra, Minister Tanangada met with key Australian ministers responsible for policing, security and development, participated in a tour of the Australian Border Force’s Australian Border Operations Centre, and took in advanced demonstrations from AFP’s forensics and tactical response teams.
Finally, in Brisbane, Minister Tanangada toured the Brisbane Correctional Centre and the Corrective Services Academy, where Corrective Services Solomon Islands officers have received extensive training, and the Pinkenba Police Training Centre, where RSIPF officers will train as they form part of the Pacific Islands Forum’s Pacific Policing Initiative.
His Excellency Rod Hilton, High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, accompanied Minister Tanangada and his delegation for the duration of the visit.
“Australia is proud to be Solomon Islands’ number one security partner and we are just as proud to be able to offer our world class security capabilities to Solomon Islands as part of that partnership.”
“Australia is committed to the principle that Pacific security is best ensured by countries in the Pacific.”
“A partnership of mutual trust between our two countries, driven by our shared interests, is the way to deliver those security outcomes.”
AHC
