Australia’s Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, the Hon Pat Conroy MP, arrives in Honiara Solomon Islands on Monday to strengthen the enduring partnership between Australia and Solomon Islands.

During the visit Minister Conroy will launch the Australia – Solomon Islands Development Partnership Plan alongside his Solomon Islands Government counterparts and announce a range of new funding commitments.

Australia is listening and responding to Solomon Islands priorities – investing in infrastructure, local business and job creation – to boost economic opportunities for the people of Solomon Islands.

 “Solomon Islands and Australia are more integrated than ever, through significant growth in labour mobility and trade,” Minister Conroy said.

“I will also meet with Prime Minister Manele and senior ministers to discuss the depth and breadth of our partnership.

“As fellow members of the Pacific Islands Forum, Australia is supporting Solomon Islands for its successful hosting of the 2025 Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in September.”

The visit follows visits to Fiji and Papua New Guinea.

In Fiji, Minister Conroy attended the Melanesian Spearhead Group Leaders’ Summit to discuss common interests in a strong, secure and prosperous region.

In PNG, alongside representatives from the Australian Rugby League Commission and National Rugby League (NRL), Minister Conroy met key stakeholders to reaffirm Australia’s commitment to developing rugby league pathways and establishing a competitive and sustainable PNG NRL franchise for entry into the NRL competition by 2028. He also delivered remarks at the 40th Australia-PNG Business Forum to highlight Australia’s support for PNG’s continued economic growth as its largest trading and investment partner.

– AHC