AUSTRALIA marks the return this week of the final members deployed under the Solomons International Assistance Force (SIAF), after supporting the successful delivery of the 2023 Pacific Games and 2024 Joint Elections.
SIAF was established after the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Defence Force (ADF) responded within 24 hours to Solomon Islands’ call for support in 2021.
Over the last three years, more than 1,600 Australian personnel have deployed to Solomon Islands, to work alongside military and police from Fiji, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand in support of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF).
“SIAF has strengthened the bonds of friendship and understanding between our countries,” His Excellency Rod Hilton, Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands said. “It is part of a tradition of Pacific forces working together to maintain peace and security and respond to crises in our region.”
As Solomon Islands’ number one security partner, Australia is honoured to have served alongside our Pacific partners as part of SIAF and will continue to support Solomon Islands’ priorities.
“Our security relationship with Solomon Islands has a bright future,” High Commissioner Hilton said. “We look forward to working with the country’s leadership to respond to Solomon Islands’ needs, including to Prime Minister Manele’s request to Prime Minister Albanese to assist in growing and building the capability of the RSIPF.
Australia’s long-term security partnership will continue. AFP will keep working in Solomon Islands with RSIPF counterparts as mentors, advisors and trainers, as part of the RSIPF-AFP Policing Partnership Program.
Under our longstanding Defence Cooperation Program, now in its 42nd year, Australia will continue working with the RSIPF to boost its maritime security, explosive ordnance disposal, border security, band, infrastructure, education and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities.
