BY MORRIS NAFU
Australia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Solomon Islands’ national security.
Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Rod Hilton said Australia’s commitment to bolstering Solomons’ security is in line with the Solomon Islands National Security Strategy 2025-2028.
This announcement came during a ceremony at the Rove Police Headquarters, on Monday, August 25, 2025 where Mr Hilton presented the first 31 of 61 donated vehicles to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), valued at over SBD$25 million.
He laid emphasis on the strength and long life of the partnership between Australia and the Solomon Islands.
“Our collaboration in enhancing security capabilities is robust and deeply rooted in the Solomon Islands National Security Strategy,” said Hilton.
He highlighted that 22 of the vehicles were on display at the event, underscoring their importance for upcoming security operations, particularly for the Leaders’ Meeting.
The High Commissioner noted that these vehicles were procured and outfitted at the request of the Solomon Islands government, with local businesses playing a key role in the process.
This initiative is part of a broader Australian support package for the Solomon Islands, totaling approximately $100 million, aimed at facilitating the hosting of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting.
Hilton expressed pride in the transfer of the vehicles, recognizing the critical nature of the Solomon Islands-Australia security partnership.
The High Commissioner also highlighted the impressive growth of the RSIPF’s Police Response Department, which has quadrupled in size since 2021, and the significant advancements made by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Division, which has dramatically increased its operations in unexploded ordnance removal.
Looking ahead, Hilton mentioned the recent launch of the first postgraduate National Security Studies course in the Pacific, aimed at establishing a learning hub in Honiara. He assured that Australia will continue to stand by the Solomon Islands, providing support and resources to enhance local capabilities.
Hilton in further remarks, stressed that the development of sovereign capabilities, led by Solomon Islanders for Solomon Islanders, remains the cornerstone of the enduring security partnership between Australia and the Solomon Islands.
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