AUSTRALIA’S Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, has lauded the Australia-Solomon Islands bilateral relations as a partnership based on shared values and is as strong as ever.
He spoke highly about this partnership and the fundamental values and connections upon which it is based when concluding his two-day visit to Honiara last week.
The visit is seen by Canberra as a demonstration of the deep connections between Solomon Islands and Australia as members of the greater Pacific Family.
“The Solomon Islands and Australia partnership is as strong as ever, based upon shared history, shared values, a love of sport, and deep people-to-people ties as members of the Pacific family,” the Australian DPM said in a statement issued by the Australian High Commission in Honiara.
During the visit from 28-29 June, DPM Marles met with leaders, health care workers, police, journalists, athletes, school children and community members.
He was further pleased to meet Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, Deputy Prime Minister, Manasseh Maelanga and Minister of Police, National Security and Correctional Services, Anthony Veke.
Deputy Prime Minister Marle’s visit saw him announced the following:
- Australia’s further support to Solomon Islands next National General Election in 2024. Australia has committed up to AUD25 million (approximately SBD 137 million) to assist the Solomon Islands Election Office to undertake a range of important preparations for the election including biometric voter registration, preparation and polling activities.
- a package of commitments for the Solomon Islands maritime sector which builds on Australia’s 40-year strong Defence Cooperation Program. It includes enhancements to Solomon Islands’ Guardian-class Patrol Boats, continued support to small boats and infrastructure, and potential private sector financing for vessel maintenance.
- Australia’s longstanding support to the National Referral Hospital continues with a new High Dependency Unit in Honiara valued at around SBD 5 million. This facility is already treating critically ill patients and has increased the National Referral Hospital’s capability to provide comprehensive acute care services.
- seven Solomon Islands clinicians have been awarded Australia Awards Fellowships and will undertake clinical exchange visits to Australian hospitals in their areas of specialty.
- new funding for the national measles and rubella immunisation campaign in July and the second round of the scabies mass drug administration under the World Scabies Programme.
DPM Marles also capitalised on the opportunity to highlight Australia’s comprehensive support to Solomon Islands for the 2023 Pacific Games.
He said in addition to its significant assistance towards infrastructure development in Solomon Islands, Australia’s equal focus on skills, education, local employment, media training, and urban enhancement will also leave a lasting legacy.
