AUSTRALIA’S Deputy Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Penny Williams has told Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare in Honiara that her Government will continue to provide assistance to Solomon Islands in a number of areas after the departure of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands at the end of June.

In her briefing to Mr Sogavare May 17, Ms Williams said Australia’s post-RAMSI support to Solomon Islands will include such as areas as police, law and justice, defence, intelligence and economic development.

Ms Williams was in Honiara to take part in a one-day Security Dialogue talks between Australia and Solomon Islands.

She said the bilateral talks pointed towards a positive conclusion that a Security Treaty between Australia and Solomon Islands will be signed after RAMSI’s withdrawal at the end of June.

In response, Prime Minister Sogavare said Solomon Islands and Australia have been enjoying a comprehensive relationship since Canberra agreed more than 13 years ago to have Australia lead the regional intervention forces commonly known as RAMSI.

He added the relationship has also been very fruitful and he thanked Canberra and other participating members of RAMSI for stepping in when Solomon Islanders were on their knees and needed intervention.

Mr Sogavare said RAMSI had created an environment that allows Solomon Islanders to move freely around to do whatever activities demanded of them by their governments, communities and by their own needs.

He said after the withdrawal of RAMSI, the government and the police force will do their uttermost to avert any moves that could return the country to its knees again as it did more than a decade ago.

By George Atkin,

Research Officer (Media Liaison) Caucus for OPMC Press