Australia and Solomon Islands Strengthen Ties with New Initiatives During Deputy PM Richard Marles’ 11th Honiara Visit.
Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, Richard Marles, visited Honiara, marking his 11th visit to the Solomon Islands. In discussions with Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, Marles emphasized the importance of the bilateral relationship, characterizing the new government as an opportunity for enhanced partnership.
Key announcements during his trip included an SBD$18 million contribution to a Border Management System aimed at digitizing border controls said to improve efficiency and enhancing security.
Additionally, a AUD$45 million pledge was made towards the Naha Birthing Clinic, increasing healthcare infrastructure in Honiara. Once complete, the Centre will provide first class birthing, pre and post-natal care services for women as well as eye, dental, pathology, x-ray, ultrasound and pharmacy services. A large general purpose room is part of the construction. This is to provide a flexible space for public and community health initiatives.
The provisional count based on the 2019 Census has revealed that urban population in Solomon Islands has increased with a higher annual growth rate of 5.3 per cent or an increase of 75, 750 people. The country’s urban population has increased from 109,082 in 2009 to approximately 184,832 in 2019. The urban growth outpaces by close to three times the growth in rural areas. In 2019, Honiara, the capital and commercial hub of the country comprised of over two-thirds of all urban residents, excluding residents in the adjoining urban areas of Guadalcanal.
Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles was joined by Solomon Islands Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr. Paulson Bosawai at a ceremony at the Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre construction site to officially mark the commencement of main works construction. The Naha Birthing Centre, is a gift from the Australian Government commemorating the country’s 40 years of independence in 2018. The birthing centre is expected to handle up to 1,500 low-risk deliveries per year.
Marles also highlight’s Australia’s longstanding commitment to the Solomon Islands, especially the ongoing support in various sectors including the economy, security and development assistance. He emphasized the significance of the partnership, acknowledging Australia’s role as the primary partner in these domains.
Addressing queries about the presence of Australian police in Honiara, Marles reaffirmed commitment to the security partnership, pending the outcome of the Solomon Islands government’s security review. He expressed openness to continued collaboration based on mutual interests and needs.
Concerning climate change resilience, Marles acknowledged the Pacific region’s vulnerability and pledged support for Solomon Islands in addressing environmental challenges. He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts in climate change security, awaiting outcomes of the ongoing security review.
Regarding future cooperation, Marles reiterated the potential for an enhanced partnership under the Manele government, focusing on development assistance, economic cooperation and security. He highlighted the significant contributions of Solomon Islanders under the Pacific Labour Mobility Scheme.
“With almost 7000 Solomon Islanders working in Australia now under the Pacific Labour Mobility Scheme- the fastest growing cohort within that scheme, making an enormous contribution to Australia, but also making an enormous contribution through remittances to the Solomon Islands economy, which has seen two very significant development assistance announcements today, and that will form part of an ongoing program of development assistance. This is one of our largest development assistance programs in the world that Australia engages in”, Marles said.
Responding to inquiries about the establishment of an armed Solomon Islands, Marles affirmed Australia’s readiness to assist based on Solomon Islands’ decisions. He noted that the matter would be considered in the broader security review, emphasizing Australia’s willingness to support either scenario, whether through the establishment of a defence force or continued support of the RSIPF.
“The Solomon Islands government is going through a security review, we want to understand it’s aspirations for the future. And we are there to support Solomon Islands government and whatever those aspirations are”, Marles continued.
Marles concluded by expressing optimism for the future of the Australia-Solomon Islands partnership, rooted in trust, cooperation and mutual benefit.
