Australian Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. Richard Marles MP with official delegates after meeting with Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services Hon. Jimson Tanangada
THE Australian Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. Richard Marles MP, completed a successful visit to Solomon Islands yesterday where he met with members of the new Government for National Unity and Transformation to advance the Solomon Islands – Australia partnership.
The Deputy Prime Minister’s program began with a call on Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele. The leaders discussed the strong, enduring partnership and democratic values shared between Australia and Solomon Islands and reaffirmed their commitment to work closely together in the future.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the long-standing partnership between Solomon Islands and Australia is deep and broad.
“Our relationship is based on true partnership, respect and friendship, where we work together towards our shared goals of stability and prosperity,” Deputy Prime Minister Marles said.
Deputy Prime Minister Marles congratulated newly appointed ministers and discussed the new government’s priorities during meetings with Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Bradley Tovosia, Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services Hon. Jimson Tanangada, and Minister for Finance and Treasury, Hon. Manasseh Sogavare.
In a visit to the Solomon Islands Port Authority, the Deputy Prime Minister announced an SBD 18 million initiative to deliver a new Border Management System for Solomon Islands, through a Pacific trilateral partnership between Australia, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.
“Australia is proud to be Solomon Islands’ primary security, economic and development partner, and we are committed to helping Solomon Islanders derive the benefits of economic activity in a way that also ensures the country’s safety and security,” Deputy Prime Minister Marles said.
Deputy Prime Minister Marles also announced the commencement of main works for the Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre.
With Australian support of over SBD 250 million, the birthing centre is a major health initiative that will improve health outcomes for people living in Honiara and give children the best possible start in life.
The Deputy Prime Minister said it was always a pleasure to return to the Solomon Islands, marking this visit as the eleventh time he had travelled to the Hapi Isles in an official capacity.
“It is always a pleasure to receive such a warm welcome from one of our closest neighbours and friends,” Deputy Prime Minister Marles said.
To conclude the visit, Deputy Prime Minister Marles was pleased to have the opportunity to meet again with Prime Minister Manele, members of parliament and key community representatives at a function hosted by Australian High Commissioner HE Rod Hilton.
In delivering their addresses at the event, both Deputy Prime Minister Marles and Prime Minister Manele reiterated the strong connections and enduring partnership between Solomon Islands and Australia.
AHC PRESS
