Australia and Solomon Islands held their 4th Bilateral Security Dialogue yesterday, committing to deepening its security partnership including in areas such as policing, border, and cyber security.
Australia and Solomon Islands are also committed to continuing to work together to ensure a stable, prosperous, and secure Blue Pacific region.
The meeting agreed to enhance their bilateral architecture, including through regular ministerial engagement, inaugural senior officials talks next year, and reaffirmed their commitment to continuing to exchange perspectives on our security priorities through this Dialogue.
Australia and Solomon Islands are longstanding security partners. This partnership has continued to grow over the past year despite the challenges of COVID-19.
Together, the partnership has progressed the Western Border and Patrol Boat Outpost, enhanced cooperation on explosive ordnance disposal, and continued to support the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force’s capability growth and operations.
The Dialogue was co-chaired by Permanent Secretary Colin Beck, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, and Mr. Ewen McDonald, Head of the Office of the Pacific.
Sources: Press Release and Solomon Times Online.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
