AUSTRALIA Foreign Affairs Minister, Julie Bishop has reiterated her country’s commitment under the bilateral ties with Solomon Islands on Tuesday.
Bishop, who led a all-female delegation on her fourth visit to Honiara yesterday, said Australia and Solomon Islands are friends, neigbours and partners.
She told the media that this is being demonstrated by historical connections during time of Independence and also when Solomon Islands needed help, Australia was first to lead.
This was when the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) came in 2003 to restore law and order after the ethnic tension on Guadalcanal.
“RAMSI, 13 years ago came to restore law and order, and 14 years on, I believe RAMSI has completed its mission.
“Law and order has been restored, re-establishment of national institutions, rebuilding of business and community confidence, police and also within the ministry,” she said.
Bishop said they are pleased to continue to support SI post RAMSI era.
“While RAMSI forces will leave, we will continue to provide support for policing, governance and justice issues with the Australia Federal Police here,” she said.
Furthermore, Bishop said their relationship is also based on defence cooperation.
She said on police, Australia is taking part in operation Render Safe, to ensure that unexplored ordinances of WW11 continue to be found, to keep Solomon Islands safe.
“We continue to work together with Pacific Maritime Security Programme and Australia will continue to support these island nations with patrol boats, to keep these nations safe, away from threats like illegal fishing,” she said.
Moreover, Bishop said their relationship is always developing into economic partnership, beyond the traditional aid donors and aid recipients.
She said there are so much opportunity for Australia to support economic development in jobs, engaging in private sectors.
“Progress with trade on Pacer Plus, the Australia delighted to offer opportunities for Solomon Islanders to take part in seasonal workers programme.
“So that more unmet labour demands in Australia, Solomon Islanders can work in agriculture, horticulture, hospitality and tourism,” she said.
Bishop said Australia is also supporting Solomon Islands commitment on climate change.
On the New Colombo plan, Bishop said many Solomon Islands have studied in Australia and doing research.
As such in exchange, she said about 270 Australian undergraduates are working in Solomon Islands next year.
