The Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) has welcomed the election of Manasseh Sogavare as the country’s new Prime Minister elect.
In a statement on Wednesday RAMSI congratulated Mr Sogavare in his election to the top job on Tuesday.
“We welcome Prime Minister Sogavare and his new Government team to office,” said the RAMSI Special Coordinator, Ms Justine Braithwaite.
“We support the Prime Minister’s call to build a stronger nation, and we look forward to working in partnership with him and the new Government to achieve this vision.”
“We have shared objectives: to promote continued stability, peace and prosperity for all Solomon Islanders.”
Ms Braithwaite said: “RAMSI is here to support the Government to strengthen the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF). The RSIPF has come a long way in recent years, as its professional planning and security operations for the national election have demonstrated.”
“RAMSI looks forward to working with the new Government on our ambitious program of capacity development assistance for the RSIPF.
“A key aspect of this assistance is to rearm those parts of the RSIPF that require firearms to enforce law and order in Solomon Islands. This will help RSIPF officers to protect communities, life and property, and to protect themselves,” said Ms Braithwaite.
“All of RAMSI’s police training and development programs are geared to helping the RSIPF to achieve its goal of becoming an independent, modern and professional police service.”
“I look forward to discussing with the Prime Minister his strategic objectives and priorities for policing in Solomon Islands, and how RAMSI can best support these,” said Ms Braithwaite.
In his speech on Tuesday,Mr Sogavare also acknowledged the role played by RAMSI in the country.
