SI advances maritime security strategy with support from NZ

Officials from Solomon Islands’ maritime sector have begun developing the Government’s first Maritime Security Strategy with support from New Zealand.

The Ministry for Police, National Security and Correctional Services (MPNSCS) invited New Zealand to facilitate a workshop following ongoing discussions between Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services Karen Galokale and New Zealand Secretary of Defence Andrew Bridgman.

“Having the maritime sector in the room together and working on a shared set of risks, opportunities and outcomes was a highlight of the workshop. We now have a strong base to start developing a good first draft of own Maritime Security Strategy,” Karen Galokale said.

Hosted by Secretary Bridgman and New Zealand High Commissioner Jonathan Schwass, the workshop shared lessons and insights from New Zealand’s experience and drew out the key themes relevant to Solomon Islands’ strategy.

“It has been a real privilege to be able to support Solomon Islands with its maritime security strategy. Being here to hear first-hand the work that the Solomon Islands is doing in the maritime sector has shown there is already a strong base for this work,” Andrew Bridgman said.

It is anticipated that Solomon Islands Government agencies will now work together to strengthen inter-agency relationships, and develop a draft maritime security strategy for Cabinet consideration.

Both the New Zealand Ministry of Defence and Solomon Islands’ MPNSCS agreed to continue to engage as the strategy is developed, and look forward to strengthening the existing relationship.

The workshop was held at the New Zealand High Commission, and was well attended by senior officials from a range of Solomon Islands Government agencies. Represented agencies included the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet; MPNSCS; Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources; Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology; Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration; Biosecurity Solomon Islands; Customs and Excise Division; Solomon Islands Maritime Authority; and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force Maritime Division.

• Press Release