Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP answered questions from the media about his visit. Photo credit @ AHC

AUSTRALIA’S Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP visited Solomon Islands on 18 January 2025.

While in Honiara, Deputy Prime Minister Marles met with Hon Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, and the Minister of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, Hon Trevor Mahaga.

This was his twelfth visit to Solomon Islands, and third as Deputy Prime Minister.

During his meeting with Prime Minister Manele, the Deputy Prime Minister discussed Australia’s enduring commitment to support Solomon Islands’ economic, development and security priorities.

The leaders reflected on the landmark partnership between Australia and Solomon Islands to grow the size and capability of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister Manele in December 2024. This package of funding, training and infrastructure includes support for a new Police Training Centre in Honiara.

Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP met with Hon Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele. Photo credit @ AHC

Deputy Prime Minister Marles also updated Prime Minister Manele on the Western Border Outpost. The first stage of the project was delivered in December 2024 providing a new whole-of-government office facility for border security operations.

“Having the Western Border Outpost at its initial operating capability provides assurance to the people of Western Province and across Solomon Islands that Australia is delivering as Solomon Islands’ number one security partner,” Deputy Prime Minister Marles said.

Australia is progressing the next stages of the Western Border Outpost project, along with the Eastern Border Outpost in Temotu Province.

In his meeting with the Minister of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, Hon Trevor Mahaga, Deputy Prime Minister Marles provided an update on Australia’s climate change, disaster resilience, and humanitarian assistance programs to help Solomon Islands prepare for future challenges.

Australia’s latest support includes building the Provincial Emergency Operation Centre in Taro, upgrades to the National Disaster Management Office in Ranadi and a new humanitarian warehouse in Lata. These humanitarian infrastructure projects will enhance disaster response across Honiara and the provinces.

Deputy Prime Minister Marles welcomed Solomon Islands’ plans to develop a government warehouse precinct at Burns Creek, and conveyed Australia’s readiness to partner with Solomon Islands on this initiative to boost humanitarian response capability for the people of Solomon Islands.

Deputy Prime Minister Males concluded his visit at RSIPF Maritime Division where he met RSIPF officers and inspected aspects of Australia’s support under the Defence Cooperation Program, including the refurbished Aola wharf, electrical upgrades for Maritime Force Headquarters, and a refurbished leaf hut.

Deputy Prime Minister reflected on the warm reception he had received during his visit, saying, “It is always a pleasure to be in Solomon Islands, one of Australia’s closest neighbours and friends.”

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