BY INDY MAEALASIA
International partners have been praised for their ongoing support towards enhancing maritime security in Solomon Islands by Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Vice Chancellor, Transform Aqorau.
At a recent maritime workshop, he said they acknowledge with gratitude the donors and friends who respect our priorities and work within our framework.
“The tapestry of Pacific maritime security coordination is growing richer and stronger,” he said.
Aqorau also highlighted Solomon Islands commitment to encouraging inclusive cooperation in the region.
“We are all partners, old and new plugging into Pacific-led initiatives rather than creating parallel efforts,” he said.
Aqorau pointed out several examples of international support, noting that European nations and UNESCO have contributed significantly to maritime security and climate resilience programs.
One such initiative is the Pacific-European Union Maritime Partnership, which helps combat illegal practices such as tide-reef fishing.
Japan, he noted, has also played a vital role by providing coastal radar systems and training to various Pacific Island countries, in addition to supporting tsunami warning systems and maritime safety protocols.
Multilateral development banks like the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank have invested in port infrastructure and maritime transport safety, indirectly bolstering security efforts in the region.
Meanwhile Aqorau stressed that the International Maritime Organization (IMO) assists countries in meeting global ship and port security standards, including those in key zones like the East-East Coast, helping to safeguard against sabotage and improve tourism safety.
The Vice Chancellor also acknowledged the contributions of United Nations agencies such as the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the United Nations Drug Centre, which help strengthen legal and judicial systems to combat maritime crime.
“Each of these contributions whether a new patrol craft, training program, or technology transfer—is another sturdy fiber in the rope of Pacific security,” Aqorau said.
He added that Solomon Islands already has many of the right institutions, partnerships, and plans in place, including national strategies and regional collaborations through agencies like the Forum Fisheries Agency and other multilateral efforts.
“The challenge now is to weave these strands together, fill the gaps, and ensure long-term sustainability,” he said. “We must avoid duplication, ensure effective information sharing, and remain vigilant. Threats continue to evolve—so must we,” said Aqorau.
Despite these challenges, he expressed hopefulness about the region’s progress.
“When I look at the initiatives already underway, I am encouraged. The Pacific is not starting from scratch—we’re building on decades of cooperative mechanisms that have delivered real results. The task ahead is to elevate this cooperation to a new level, one that matches the rapidly changing environment in which we operate,” the SINU Vice Chancellor noted.
For feedback, contact:[email protected]
