Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has concluded his visit to Solomon Islands, reinforcing Australia’s deep and enduring commitment to the Pacific and advancing a new era of cooperation between the two countries.

In Honiara, Prime Minister Albanese met with Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale and members of his government. Prime Minister Albanese also had the opportunity to address the Solomon Islands 48th Independence Day celebrations – the first foreign leader to do so – where he announced a $10.2 million package of education support for Solomon Islands.

The package includes assistance for the Ministry of Education to develop a roadmap towards its implementation of providing free education, new books for every primary school student, infrastructure upgrades and uplift in curriculum standards for up to twelve Rural Training Centres throughout Solomon Islands.

The Prime Minister also announced the conclusion of an MOU for the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Police Academy, as part of the RSIPF expansion agreement. This MOU facilitates the comprehensive support and advanced training requirements for the Police Academy in Honiara. This will support Solomon Islands to expand its sovereign police force and contribute to its own security and that of the region.

Before departing, Prime Minister Albanese attended the handover of the Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre, a $45 million investment by Australia which will expand maternal and primary health services in Honiara.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“It was an honour to be the first foreign leader to speak at the annual Solomon Islands Independence Day celebrations and announce a significant investment by Australia in the education of Solomon Islanders.

“It was also a pleasure to hand over the Naha Birthing and Urban Health Care Centre, which is one of the most significant single investments in Solomon Islands’ health system since its independence.

“Australia and Solomon Islands have a strong and enduring partnership, and by investing in health, education and security across the Pacific, we are supporting a stable, resilient and prosperous region.”