THE Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP, has met with members of the Government for National Unity and Transformation, and handed over new critical infrastructure during the first day of his visit to Solomon Islands.
Minister Conroy’s program began with a call on Prime Minister Hon Jeremiah Manele and Foreign Minister Hon Peter Shanel Agovaka MP to discuss economic, security and development priorities, and to continue exploring opportunities to achieve a transformational partnership.
Minister Conroy also met with Minister of National Planning and Development Coordination, Hon Rexon Ramofafia, and Minister of Police, National Security and Correctional Services, Hon Jimson Tanangada to discuss Australia’s extensive development and economic support to the Solomon Islands, and to listen to the priorities of the Solomon Islands Government, including Solomon Islands’ request for Australian assistance to grow the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force.
Minister Conroy announced the handover of an SBD 120 million upgrade to Aola Wharf, the primary wharf facility for the Royal Solomon Islands Police Maritime Force, delivered by Australia under the Defence Cooperation Program, which will extend the life of the wharf for an additional 30 years.
Minister Conroy also announced a game changing uplift to Solomon Islands Customs and Excise Division (SICED).
The SBD 10.5 million uplift, to be supported by Australian Border Force, will include a major boost to SICED’s capabilities through a United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Passenger and Container Control Program, vehicles, small craft, and a suite of specialist training on maritime, aviation and trade enforcement.
The initiative will not only help SICED to disrupt illicit or prohibited goods, but support Solomon Islands’ budget position by improving revenue collection.
To conclude the day’s activities Minister Conroy was pleased to have the opportunity to attend a Friends of Australia reception, jointly hosted by the Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Rod Hilton, Minister for Education and Human Resource Development, Hon Tozen Leokana, and the President of the Solomon Islands Australia Alumni Association, Mr Ernest Teutao.
During proceedings Minister Conroy announced Australia will provide a record-breaking 100 new Australia Awards to Solomon Islanders over the next 12 months, giving 50 Solomon Islanders the opportunity to study on Australia Awards Scholarships at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and another 50 to participate in fit-for-purpose Australia Awards Short Courses at Australian universities.
Minister Conroy’s visit continues today with a keynote address open to the public, at the Solomon Islands National University, followed by further announcements of support to health and community infrastructure.
