The Australian defence minister is in the Solomon Islands and due to observe a joint training exercise in the Western Province
Australia's defence minister, Senator Linda Reynolds, has arrived in Solomon Islands for a two day visit as part of her Pacific tour and she will travel to the Western province where she will observe a joint training exercise between members of the RSIPF and the Australian Defence Force personnel.
The exercise called ‘Exercise Coastwatcher’ is aimed at developing the capability of both security forces to plan, conduct and support remote policing activities, law enforcement, and skills in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, as well as building people-to-people links.
The exercise is expected to continue till 5 September and some 60 members of the RSIPF are taking part in the joint operation.
It is the third year such an exercise has taken place in the Solomon Islands.
While in the Solomons, Senator Reynolds, will meet with Mrs Lanelle Tanangada, Solomon Islands Police and National security Minister.
Source –Radio New Zealand.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
