Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy, reaffirmed Australia’s deep commitment to the Solomon Islands during his third visit to the country in two years.
Speaking after a series of high-level meetings, Conroy highlighted Australia’s role as the Solomon Islands’ “number one economic development and security partner” and announced key initiatives to boost the nation’s security, infrastructure, and climate resilience.
“We’re proud to be the biggest partner of the Solomon Islands, both in economic development and security,” Conroy said. “It’s a position we don’t take lightly. Our job is to work hard every day to advance the prosperity of the people of the Solomon Islands.”
At the heart of Australia’s partnership is security cooperation, with Conroy emphasising Australia’s role as the “security partner of choice” for the Solomon Islands.
In talks with Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremaiah Manele and a range of Ministers, Conroy reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to bolstering the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF).
“We’re working on expanding the RSIPF, a plan endorsed by Prime Minister Manele and Prime Minister Albanese,” Conroy said.
“This includes a three-tiered security approach where Solomon Islands’ police are supported first by local forces, then by Melanesian countries, and finally by the broader Pacific region.”
Conroy also mentioned Australia’s role in the Solomon Islands Assistance Force Deployment, where Pacific police and defenCe forces have provided critical security support.
“The Pacific Islands Forum strongly supports the idea that gaps in Pacific security should be filled by the Pacific first, and we’re proud to be part of that.”
As climate change remains the Pacific region’s most pressing existential threat, Australia has positioned itself as a key ally in the Solomon Islands’ fight against rising sea levels and extreme weather.
“Climate change is the number one threat to the Pacific, including Australia,” Conroy stated. “We’re not just talking about it; we’re taking real action on the ground.”
Conroy highlighted Australia’s ongoing investments in renewable energy and climate-resilient infrastructure in the Solomon Islands, including the landmark Tina River Hydropower Project, which is set to provide 70 percent of Honiara’s power needs through sustainable means.
“Australia is supporting four off-grid renewable energy projects with SBD$5.4 million(US$646,000) and helping the Solomon Islands access international climate finance,” Conroy said. However, he acknowledged that the global flow of climate funds remains slow, especially for the Pacific.
To address this, Conroy announced that Australia would invest SBD$550 million (US$65 million) in the Pacific Climate Resilience Fund (PRF).
“The PRF is about Pacific-led climate projects, so the region doesn’t have to rely on slow-moving international bureaucracy,” he said. “We’re proud to be the biggest contributor to this fund.”
In addition to security and climate efforts, Conroy announced several major infrastructure projects aimed at boosting the Solomon Islands’ economy and border security. These include the extension of the Aola Wharf, which is crucial for the Solomon Islands’ Guardian-class patrol boats, and new investments in customs infrastructure to increase government revenue.
Conroy also emphasised Australia’s focus on local job creation through infrastructure projects.
“We want Solomon Islanders not just to benefit from the infrastructure, but to have the jobs building it,” he said. He cited the ongoing construction of border outposts as an example, which are being built by local Solomon Islands firms.
In a move to further deepen ties between the two nations, Conroy announced a tripling of Australian Awards scholarships, raising the number to 100.
“This is an investment in the people of Solomon Islands,” he said, noting that education partnerships will be critical for the country’s future development.
Australia’s Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, which allows Solomon Islanders to work in Australia, continues to be a vital part of the bilateral relationship.
“Over 7,600 Solomon Islanders are working in Australia under the PALM Scheme, sending home SBD$247 million (US$29 million) last year,” Conroy said. “I’m confident that number will increase significantly this year.”
When asked about the growing influence of China in the Pacific, especially after Solomon Islands’ police minister visited China, Conroy maintained that Australia remains the primary security partner for the Solomon Islands.
“We discussed Australia’s privileged position as the security partner of choice,” Conroy said, adding that the focus is on strengthening existing cooperation, particularly with the RSIPF. “Our relationship with Solomon Islands is strong, and we will continue to be there to meet their security needs.”
“We turn up, we listen to your priorities, and we act on them,” he said. “Australia is proud to be the Solomon Islands’ closest partner, and we will continue working together to ensure a safe, prosperous, and climate-resilient future.”
With deep investments in security, infrastructure, education, and climate action, Australia remains firmly committed to the Solomon Islands as a key partner in the Pacific.
