Australia has officially delivered 31 of the 61 police vehicles it will be providing to the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) in preparation for next month’s 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Honiara.
Prime Minister (PM) Jeremiah Manele who witnessed the handing over hailed the support describing it as the largest single assistance of vehicle support for any forum meeting to date.
The newly delivered vehicles, valued at over $28.6 million, were purchased locally and equipped with specialized police gear.
They will be utilized during the Forum and subsequently by the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF).
PM Manele emphasized that the vehicles were chosen with input from law enforcement officials to meet specific operational needs, reinforcing the RSIPF’s capability to ensure a safe and secure environment for the regional summit.
He expressed gratitude towards Australia for what he termed “special gifts,” highlighted the importance of this support.
Australian High Commissioner Rod Hilton stressed that the vehicle donation underscores Australia’s longstanding commitment to security cooperation with the Solomon Islands.
“One important aspect of security is to help Solomon Islands build its own security capability,” affirming that Australia’s assistance extends beyond policing to broader developmental needs across the country.
By John Chrisma
Solomon Star, Honiara
