BY IRWIN ANGIKI

Prime Minister Matthew Wale has committed Solomon Islands towards establishing a treaty with Australia.

This comes as Prime Minister Wale requested an elevation to the bilateral relations with Australia.

It is unclear yet what the treaty will cover.

PM Wale also told media in Canberra, Australia, that he would ‘review’ the controversial 2022 security treaty with China which to date has been kept from the public domain.

Solomon Islands will also sign the Pacific Policing Initiative, which former prime minister Jeremiah Manele had held back from fully supporting.

A press statement by the PM Press Secretariat yesterday described as ‘key outcome’ the agreement by prime ministers Wale and Albanese to begin work towards establishing the treaty.

A joint statement by the two leaders following their meeting said PM Wale wished ‘to bring about transformational change to the relationship’ with Australia ‘cemented in a treaty, and significant enhancement of the bilateral development assistance partnership between the two countries’.

“Both leaders agreed to commence negotiations towards a comprehensive treaty to capture the two countries’ joint ambition for the relationship. Leaders tasked Foreign Ministers, in consultation with other relevant Ministers, to lead the development of this comprehensive treaty with a view to it being concluded as expeditiously as possible,” the joint statement said.

“During their discussion, Prime Minister Albanese and Prime Minister Wale committed to elevate the bilateral relationship on the basis of mutual trust, respect and open dialogue.”

What the treaty could cover

The ‘comprehensive strategic treaty’ is expected to refine and extend beyond the existing 2017 Bilateral Security Treaty and sector agreements and programmes through which Australia is supporting Solomon Islands.

PM Albanese hinted the treaty will be on security and sovereignty of both countries.

“Well, today is, of course, day one and we’ve agreed to develop the comprehensive strategic treaty between us and we’ll work through the issues, but it will be one which identifies our mutual trust, our respect for each other, the sovereignty of both of our nations as we go forward,” Albanese told journalists at a press conference in Canberra yesterday.

“But we have said very clearly we want Australia to be the security partner of choice in our region and we want the Pacific family to look after our security in this region.”

The 2017 Bilateral Security Treaty allows Australia to deploy police, defence and civilian personnel rapidly to Solomon Islands during security crises.

Australia becoming Solomon Islands’ first-choice security partner?

PM Wale was general in his response to questions including whether China would have a role in policing and security in the Solomon Islands.

However, he gave a hint to Australia being his preference, citing turning to a partner which is close by and within the region.

“It will be important in such a treaty, both at the bilateral level, but perhaps also at some stage at the regional level, that the first reference point in these matters is within the region. That I think is very important going forward. So, that’s the direction we want to take,” Wale told the reporters.

Sino-SI security pact to be reviewed

PM Wale told the reporters he will be reviewing the security treaty with China.

“I haven’t been afforded a copy even of that agreement until a day before I left. So, I haven’t had a good look at it. I’ve had a look at it, I’ll be honest with you, but I haven’t had a good look at it. I’ve been praying and fasting about it, but of course, you know, Cabinet will need to have a look at these things. There is a non disclosure clause in it, so I couldn’t show it to you right away, but we are going to be reviewing as we are reviewing other security agreements that we have with many other countries,” Wale told the reporters.

Wale during his time as Opposition leader was initially a harsh critic of the Sino-Solomon Islands security pact, at one point describing it as a ‘clandestine and personal deal’.

However, Wale’s tone towards the pact softened around mid-2025 following a visit to Beijing.

Wale’s Canberra announcements are expected to rock relations with China.

The Chinese embassy told Island Sun it is ready to work with Wale’s government.

“China and the Solomon Islands are comprehensive strategic partners featuring mutual respect and common development for a new era.

“We stand ready to work with the new government of the Solomon Islands to expand practical cooperation in various fields and better benefit the people of both countries,” the Chinese embassy statement said.

Full support for the Pacific Policing Initiative

Changing Solomon Islands’ stand, PM Wale has agreed to sign the MOU for the Pacific Policing Initiative (PPI).

“Leaders expressed their commitment to shared responsibilities and contributions to regional security including through the Pacific Policing Initiative (PPI). They welcomed that Solomon Islands, under Prime Minister Wale’s leadership, signed the PPI Memoranda of Understanding to enable Royal Solomon Islands Police Force participation in the Pacific Police Support Group, which deploys at the request of other PIF members,” the post-dialogue joint statement by the two leaders yesterday said.

Previously, Solomon Islands has kept the PPI at an arm’s length, with former PM Manele endorsing the PPI ‘in principle’ only, citing the need for more consultation.

The PPI is a regional peace and security programme designed to strengthen law enforcement capability, boost coordination and combat issues like transnational crime and drug trafficking across the Pacific.

It was proposed by Australia in 2023 and formally set in August 2024.

Australia has committed AUD400 million (SBD2.3 billion) to the programme over five years.

Analysts have described the PPI as Australia’s counter-measure to China’s growing influence in the Pacific, and a reaction to the 2022 Sino-Solomons security pact.

Photo credit: Australian High Commissioner (AHC)

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Western Provincial Government is pursuing major investments in the energy sector as part of its strategy to reduce costs and improve services for households and businesses across the province.

Premier Billy Veo said the provincial government has identified several key projects, including the proposed Paraso Thermal Power Plant and the reclamation of two fuel storage tanks in Noro.

Speaking on the government’s plans, Veo revealed that a Chinese investor has expressed strong interest in developing a thermal power plant at Paraso, with discussions currently underway.

He said the Deputy Premier is working closely with the investor to progress negotiations and determine the next steps for the project.

“Once the negotiation is complete, a paper will be presented to the executive for further discussion.

“I understand that Solomon Power will not be happy, but my government is focusing on delivering the best services for our people,” Veo said.

He said the proposed Paraso Thermal Plant is expected to provide more affordable electricity to households as well as small and medium-sized businesses.

“Currently, the cost of electricity is very expensive and we are looking at helping our people with less cost and more benefits,” Veo said.

He also announced plans to reclaim two fuel storage tanks located on provincial land in Noro once the current lease agreement with Mark Warth Oil Limited expires.

Veo said the company is presently operating the facilities under an arrangement that the provincial government no longer considers beneficial to the people of Western Province.

“Mark Warth is currently using the fuel tanks. It was an agreement that we later see as not beneficial for our province.

“When the land was transferred back to Western Province, there was a Memorandum of Understanding between the government at the time and Mark Warth on revenue sharing.

“Western Province lost huge revenue due to the MOU,” he said.

Veo said the provincial government intends to terminate the lease once it expires and take over fuel distribution operations in the province.

He described the move as a key component of Western Province’s broader investment strategy in the energy sector, aimed at creating long-term economic benefits while ensuring more affordable and reliable energy services for residents.

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BY BEN BILUA

Gizo

CHINA has donated 40 OBMs to Western Province as part of ongoing relationship between Western Province and Fujian Province.

First Secretary of the Chinese Embassy in Honiara handed over the OBMs to Premier of Western Province yesterday.

In his speech, Charlie Song said the OBMs cost around SBD720,000.00 as a gesture of friendship to Western Province.

He said China has already donated and will continue to support the recovery and rehabilitation efforts after cyclone Maila.

“This reflects the responsible attitude of the Chinese Government and its international humanitarian spirit and also a vital practice of building a community with a shared future for humanity as advocated by Chinese President Xi Jinping,” Song said.

Premier Billy Veo acknowledged the donation saying that Western Province is indeed honoured to receive the donation.

He said the donation marks another milestone in the relationship and cooperation between our province and the People’s Republic of China particularly through the sister-province relationship between Western Province and Fujian.

“I wish to express our sincere gratitude to the government of the People’s Republic of China, to the Excellency the Ambassador and the Chinese Embassy in Solomon Islands and especially to Fujian for this timely and meaningful support,” Veo said.

He said Western Province is geographically disperse across many islands and communities and that sea transport is not simply a convenience – it is essential.

“It connects our communities to schools, health services, government offices, markets, banking services and development opportunities,” Veo said.

He said the OBMs will greatly strengthen the province’s capacity to reach its people more effectively and improve service delivery throughout the province.

Veo said the OBMs will also support efforts in responding to urgent community needs, strengthening transport links and promoting economic activities across the islands.

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PM Wale secures more assistance and promises from Australia in maiden international engagement

BY IRWIN ANGIKI

Prime Minister Matthew Wale’s choice of Australia as his first country to visit has paid off with hundreds of millions of dollars in aid and the assurance of support for his government’s agendas.

Both countries have also agreed to elevate bilateral relations, which Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said was at the behest of PM Wale.

A ‘comprehensive strategic treaty’ was also agreed upon, both leaders saying they have tasked their foreign affairs ministers to immediately work on.

A press statement by the Solomon Islands PM Press Secretariat yesterday described the treaty as a ‘key highlight’, adding that other highlights include:

-Australia will provide SBD$200 million (AUD$35 million) to assist Solomon Islands in responding to Tropical Cyclone Maila and addressing the problem of fuel price increase – impacts of global energy shocks.

-In recognition of the Government’s strong focus on education, Australia will double training and vocational scholarships to 1,500 by 2027.

-Australia will work with partners to support Solomon Islands goal of achieving free education, helping to secure a brighter future for the next generation.

-The number of Pacific Engagement visas allocated to Solomon Islands will increase to 300 in the next programme year.

-Both countries welcomed continued cooperation to strengthen the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, including the planned completion of a new police academy in Honiara by 2028.

-The policing partnership will continue under the next phase of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force–Australia Policing Partnership Programme.

Australia’s huge list of gifts for PM Wale was accompanied by words of gratitude by its leaders towards Wale choosing Australia to be his first country to officially visit as Solomon Islands’ prime minister.

In parliament yesterday, Australian PM Albanese welcomed PM Wale and his ministers to the Australian parliament and described Wale’s visit as an ‘honour’.

“This is a very significant visit for Australia indeed. One of the most significant that we have had during my time as prime minister that we could possibly have. Because the Solomons is of course very close neighbours to us.

“At a time of global disruption, respectful engagement between equal partners looking to solve shared challenges and seize shared opportunities is more important than ever – in education, in security, in tackling climate change and economic resilience and in economic development. Because it’s through these relationships based in mutual trust, respect and dialogue that we will build and strengthen our shared future as members of the Pacific family, and bring security and opportunity to our peoples,” Albanese told the Australian parliament yesterday.

The vibrant Australian parliament chamber which is an arena of heated debates over laws and domestic affairs, yesterday saw a rare solemn moment of unity among the legislators as they welcomed PM Wale and his delegation.

Albanese also said that he looks forward to reciprocating Wale’s visit later this year to Honiara.

A joint statement by the two leaders following their dialogue yesterday said Australia stands ready to support the agenda of PM Wale’s Government for Reform, Empowerment, Accountability and Transformation (GREAT).

“Both leaders also agreed to continue discussions on how Australia could further support the new government’s agenda based on the vision for the relationship shared by Prime Minister Wale with Prime Minister Albanese,” the statement said.

“Australia, as a committed and reliable partner to Solomon Islands and the Pacific, agreed to provide SBD200 million (AUD35 million) to assist Solomon Islands with the response to Tropical Cyclone Maila and the impacts of global energy shocks.

“In recognition of the priority Prime Minister Wale’s government places on education, Australia agreed to double the number of training and vocational scholarships to 1500 in 2027. Australia committed to work with all willing partners to help Solomon Islands achieve the new government’s goal of free education and provide the next generation of Solomon Islanders a brighter future. Leaders also discussed other opportunities to deepen the education partnership going forward. Leaders welcomed the impending opening of the Australian-funded Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre in Honiara.

“Leaders celebrated recent growth in our economic relationship, including the contributions of Solomon Islands PALM workers in Australia. Leaders also agreed to increase the number of Pacific Engagement visas to be offered to Solomon Islands to 300 for the next year of the program. This increase represents a doubling of Solomon Islands’ Pacific Engagement visa allocation and will further strengthen people-to-people ties and encourage greater cultural, business and educational exchange.

“Prime Minister Albanese and Prime Minister Wale reaffirmed the importance of the Solomon Islands–Australia security partnership. Leaders welcomed the continued partnership to grow the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, including the planned completion of a new police academy in Honiara in 2028. The Leaders agreed to maintain the policing partnership through the next phase of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force – Australia Policing Partnership Program.

“Noting Australia’s longstanding investment in Solomon Islands’ sovereign security capabilities, including multiple projects across the country, Prime Minister Albanese and Prime Minister Wale acknowledged that Solomon Islands’ Western Border Outpost was nearing completion. The new facility will bring together police, customs, and immigration officials in a single location, enhancing Solomon Islands’ border security and maritime surveillance capability,” the joint statement said.

Photo credit: Australian High Commission (AHC)

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