PM Manele and Minister Conroy Strengthen Solomon Islands–Australia Partnership

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Thursday 26 June 2025 —Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele yesterday met with Australia’s Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Hon. Pat Conroy MP, in Honiara to reaffirm the enduring partnership between Solomon Islands and Australia.

The bilateral meeting began with Prime Minister Manele congratulating Minister Conroy and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on their recent electoral successes, expressing gratitude for Australia’s ongoing support.

A key topic of discussion was the enhancement of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force. Minister Conroy reiterated Australia’s commitment of AUD 190 million to this support and confirmed that Australia is ready to move forward as soon as Solomon Islands provides guidance on implementation.

Prime Minister Manele welcomed the support and highlighted the recently launched National Security Strategy, emphasizing the need to strengthen policing not only in Honiara but also across the provinces.

 “There are significant policing needs throughout the country. With trust and continued partnership, we can work together to address these challenges,” he said.

The leaders also discussed economic cooperation. Prime Minister Manele outlined the Government for National Unity and Transformation’s four policy pillars, emphasizing the importance of advancing key projects such as Bina Harbour and the Tina River Hydro development. He stressed that a priority of the GNUT in advancing the country’s economy is the Bina Harbour project. He also highlighted the need to revitalise agriculture and further develop tourism as critical sectors for Solomon Islands’ economic growth.

Minister Conroy reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to supporting these priorities, emphasising the importance of programs that align with Solomon Islands’ own development goals.

The meeting also covered people-to-people ties, with Prime Minister Manele requesting eased travel restrictions, especially relating to visa access for Solomon Islanders. Minister Conroy pledged to raise this with Prime Minister Albanese to facilitate closer connections between the two countries.

On climate cooperation and regional diplomacy, Minister Conroy acknowledged Solomon Islands’ active role in global climate discussions. In response to PM Manele’s questions on COP31, Hon. Conroy highlighted Australia’s keen interest to host the upcoming climate change conference next year and welcomed Solomon Islands’ continued engagement and support in this endeavour.

The meeting concluded with both leaders reaffirming their shared commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and working together toward a resilient and prosperous future for both countries and the Pacific.

[ENDS]