Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare MP received Australia’s High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Rod Hilton at the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC), the latter met with PM to provide updates on Australia’s Defence Strategic Review, discuss security cooperation and other matters of regional significance.
Prime Minister Sogavare said Solomon Islands support Australia’s defence development and modernisation of its military capability.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged Australia’s assistance in building and improving the capability of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force and in particular Australia’s donation of the guardian class patrol boats which increased the maritime capability of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF).
PM Sogavare reiterated the commitment of Pacific Island Countries on the Raratonga treaty.
PM Sogavare however highlighted that Solomon Islands bilateral relations’ with other nations is within the bounds of international laws and in line with government’s foreign policy principle of ‘friends to all, enemy to none’.
– OPMC
