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The final group of Australian troops deployed under the Solomons’ International Assistance Force has returned after supporting the successful delivery of the 2023 Pacific Games and 2024 joint elections.
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The Solomons’ International Assistance Force was established after the Australian Federal Police and Australian Defence Force responded within 24 hours to Solomon Islands’ call for support in 2021.
“As Pacific family, we will always step in to help each other, and Australia is honoured to have served alongside our Pacific partners as part of the Solomons’ International Assistance Force,” Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator Penny Wong said.
“We share a vision for a peaceful, stable, prosperous and unified region, where security is the shared responsibility of Pacific Islands Forum members.”
Over the last three years, more than 1,600 Australian personnel have deployed to Solomon Islands to work alongside military and police from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and New Zealand in support of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF).
This is part of a tradition of Pacific forces working together to maintain peace and security and respond to crises in the region.
“The Solomons’ International Assistance Force has worked side by side with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force to strengthen law and order, support major events and build Pacific policing capacity,” Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said.
“Off the back of the successful Pacific Games in 2023 and safe and secure joint elections in 2024, the Australian Federal Police will continue to build on its strong partnership with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force through our Policing Partnership Program.”
AFP personnel will continue working in Solomon Islands with RSIPF counterparts providing mentorship, delivering assistance for major operations, and boosting capabilities through targeted training and exchange programs.
The Defence Cooperation Program will continue partnering with the RSIPF to boost its maritime security, explosive ordnance disposal, infrastructure, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities.
As Solomon Islands’ number one security partner, Australia is honoured to have served alongside our Pacific partners as part of SIAF and we will continue to support Solomon Islands’ priorities.
“Australia has been proud to work with Solomon Islands as its security partner of choice, including by responding quickly to Solomon Islands’ needs through our Bilateral Security Treaty,” Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said.
“Australia will continue working with the RSIPF to boost its maritime security, explosive ordnance disposal, border security, band, infrastructure, education and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities.”
