BY IRWIN ANGIKI
Australia was the first country to formally recognise Solomon Islands and establish diplomatic relations with it on day-one – July 1, 1978.
Australia Prime Minister Hon Anthony Albanese reflected on this with pride as he congratulated the Solomon Islands government and people on turning 48.
Addressing the official celebration at the National Stadium on Tuesday as the special guest, Mr Albanese said:
“On behalf of the people of Australia, it is my great honour to congratulate you and your country on 48 years of independence.
“We gather today to commemorate those whose vision made independence possible, half a century ago.
“To celebrate the change and progress those five decades have brought to the life of your nation and the lives of its citizens.
“And to dedicate ourselves to building on what has gone before us.
“To realising a future of greater opportunity, stability and prosperity for all.”
Albanese shared that it is a source of pride for Australia – being the first country to formally recognise Solomon Islands, and being the Solomon Islands’ first diplomatic partner, established on the day Solomon Islands officially gained independence from the United Kingdom – July 7, 1978.
He said the comradery between Australia and Solomon Islands was forged way before 1978, during the second world war when Solomon Islanders supported Australian soldiers.
“It is an ongoing source of pride for Australia that we were the first country to formally recognise Solomon Islands through the establishment of diplomatic relations.
“And that occurred on the 7th July, 1978.
“Day one.
“Because Australia already knew the kindness and the courage that lived in these lands.
“We had learned this amidst the devastation of war. And we had pledged to remember it always in peace.
“The bravery, skill and sacrifice of Scouts and Coastwatchers. And the selfless humanity of Solomon Islanders who risked their own lives to rescue and shelter Australian sailors and airmen.
“Australia was proud to count Solomon Islands as a friend long before your first day as a member of the international community.”
Albanese touched on the geography links between the two countries making Solomon Islands one of Australia’s closest neighbours.
“And we are proud to have Solomon Islands as a neighbour, a partner, a friend and a cherished member of the Pacific Family, every day.”
PM Albanese encouraged Solomon Islanders to be proud and continue to uphold the country’s sovereignty which was “brought to life by a thousand different acts of leadership, imagination and co-operation, from the people of these islands”.
“Because the sovereignty of independence is not a condition that one country can bestow on another.
“It is a right and a responsibility. Sovereignty, stability, prosperity and peace are not born of one moment in time.
“They are built, maintained and secured down the generations. Not just in the high principles of global forums but in the universal building blocks of a good life.
“A healthy family, a secure home, a safe community. The opportunity of education and the dignity of work. The connections to region, culture and the great blue Pacific.
“These are the continuing acts of independence that bring power, progress and sovereignty to individuals and nations alike.”
PM Albanese attended this year’s anniversary celebration as our special guest. He was accompanied by Australia Foreign minister Hon Penny Wong.
Albanese held a bilateral meeting with prime minister Matthew Wale upon arrival at the Honiara international airport before joining the celebrations at the national stadium.
Both leaders then hosted a press conference.
Albanese and Wong officially handed over the Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre before departing Honiara.
Photo: Supplied
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