Australia is a partner Solomon Islands can count on
Last week was a busy one for the Australian High Commission as we welcomed Australia’s Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Pat Conroy, to Solomon Islands for his fourth visit.
Not only did Minister Conroy meet a wide range of his counterparts, including among others Prime Minister Manele, Deputy Prime Minister Kologeto and Foreign Minister Shanel, he also used the visit to demonstrate the ways in which Australia is delivering for Solomon Islanders.
Minister Conroy reminded us that as the Pacific is facing growing challenges, from climate change, tightening global aid budgets, and rules and norms under strain, none of us can solve these problems on our own and we are counting on each other to each play our part.
Australia values Solomon Islands as an important, enduring partner and we are a partner that the Solomon Islands can count on. Our connections run deep. That’s why we work so hard every day to deliver programs that benefit Solomon Islanders.
That’s also why Minister Conroy, alongside Minister for National Planning and Development Cooperation, Rexon Ramofafia, launched the new Australia – Solomon Islands Development Partnership Plan 2024-2029, aimed at further strengthening our longstanding partnership.
The plan is a long-term commitment by Australia to investing in outcomes for Solomon Islanders. It sets out an open, transparent and cooperative approach to our development activities and outlines how Australia will support the critical needs of Solomon Islanders. Importantly, the plan is how we hold ourselves accountable for delivering outcomes for Solomon Islanders and we will report against our progress.
As I saw Minister Conroy meeting and talking to a range of Solomon Islanders – from those in civil society, to those delivering our community partnerships program, to those who help manage the PALM scheme, to Australia Awards alumni – I was consistently reminded of the warmth and depth of the Solomon Islands – Australia partnership.
Australia is listening and responding to Solomon Islands priorities – investing in infrastructure, local business and job creation – growing economic opportunities for the people of Solomon Islands.
Over the last five years we’ve invested over SBD5 billion in over 500 infrastructure projects across the country. These projects have created or supported almost 11,000 local jobs.
Alongside Minister for Infrastructure Development Fuo’o, Minister Conroy committed SBD 60 million to upgrade vital roads across Solomon Islands through the National Transport Fund. These works will be delivered by local Solomon Islands contractors, boosting jobs and incomes in the private sector.
And with Minister for Mines Energy and Rural Electrification Manu’ari, Minister Conroy announced an additional SBD38 million contribution to the Tina River Hydropower Development Project and re-affirmed Australia’s long-standing support for this flagship renewable energy project in Solomon Islands
As Solomon Islands’ largest bilateral partner in health, education and gender equality, Australia will continue partnering with the Solomon Islands Government to improve social and economic livelihoods of Solomon Islanders.
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