Australia reported to building a security outpost in the Solomon Islands’ Western Provinces.
The Solomon Star newspaper today, Tuesday, contained an article saying Australiawill build a border and patrol boat outpost in Solomon Islands’ western provinces.
The article followed a joint statement made by the Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, and his Solomon Islands counterpart, Manasseh Sogavare, on Monday.
Quoting the article, in full, it read:
“Australia and Solomon Islands share an enduring and close friendship,” the statement said.
“It’s a relationship founded on a common history and strengthened by our collaborative development and security efforts in the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands,” it added.
“As part of this relationship, and Australia’s broader Step-up in the Pacific, we are working together closely to promote economic development and stability across Solomon Islands.
“A key element of this is our long-standing security cooperation, underpinned by our bilateral security treaty.
“As part of this, we are pleased to support an Australia-Solomon Islands joint project to construct a border and patrol boat outpost in Solomon Islands’ western provinces.”
The statement said Australia’s support for a border and patrol boat outpost will enhance infrastructure and security cooperation between the two countries, and support Solomon Islands’ border security.
“It aligns with the Solomon Islands’ three-phased approach to strengthen surveillance, response capability and protection of the western border.
“The outpost will be used by the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force and other Solomon Islands agencies to support the people in western Solomon Islands.
“The design will feature environmentally sustainable elements and will be appropriate to regional conditions, and will include a wharf capable of replenishing Guardian-Class patrol boats, accommodation buildings, and storage facilities.
“The Pacific is where we live, and Australia and Solomon Islands commit to working together to ensure that our Pacific home remains secure, stable and prosperous.”
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
