Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for Defence, Richard Marles underscores the importance of SIAF as he arrives in Honiara on a mission to further bolster Australia’s longstanding partnership with Solomon Islands
THE Deputy Prime Minister of Australia and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, is current in the country to build on the longstanding partnership between Australia and Solomon Islands – a partnership shaped by enduring connections, shared values and the joint efforts towards a secure and prosperous Pacific region.
DPM Marles arrived yesterday at around 2 pm by a Royal Australia Airforce jet.
He was met on arrival by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET), Jeremiah Manele, Minister for Communication and Aviation (MCA), Peter Shanel Agovaka and other government dignitaries along with the Australian High Commissioner, Rod Hilton and his embassy staff.
Thereafter, DPM Marles went meet Solomons International Assistance Force (SIAF) personnel compartment at Henderson where he spoke with participating forces from Fiji, Papua New Genuine, New Zealand and Australia.
He told the SIAF personnel the work of SIAF is crucial in terms of regional security for the greater Pacific Family.
DPM Marles added that regional security is something to be looked after by the Pacific Family.
He expressed gratefulness that SIAF is supporting the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) in leading security in the country.
“What you are doing here is important in supporting the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force in leading the security here in Solomon Islands.”
He said an event like the Pacific Games to be held in Honiara later in the year is a great deal of excitement in Guadalcanal and Honiara and the work of SIAF is crucial in this regard.
“From the perspective of the Australian Government, thank you for your service. We really appreciate what you are doing here.
“From our point of view, this relationship is so important with the key members of the Pacific Family in Solomon Islands,” DPM Marles reiterated.
“SIAF demonstrates that when the Pacific family works together, they can respond to the peace and security needs of the region,” he further reiterated.
By LACHLAN EDDIE HOE
Solomon Star, Honiara
