26 JUNE 2025
Australia’s Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, the Hon Pat Conroy MP has wrapped up a successful visit to Solomon Islands.
Australia is a partner Solomon Islands can count on and is making commitments for the long term. On his second day in Solomon Islands Minister Conroy, alongside Minister Ramofafia, launched the new Australia – Solomon Islands Development Partnership Plan. The plan sets shared development objectives for the next five years.
Australia is listening and responding to Solomon Islands priorities – investing in infrastructure, local business and job creation – growing economic opportunities for the people of Solomon Islands. Together with Minister for Infrastructure Development Hon Ricky Fuo’o, Minister Conroy committed SBD 60 million to upgrade vital roads across Solomon Islands through the National Transport Fund.
Minister Conroy further announced Australia’s additional SBD38 million contribution to the Tina River Hydropower Development Project and re-affirmed Australia’s long-standing support for this flagship renewable energy project in Solomon Islands. He also announced SBD1.6 million in funding to support the governance of the mining sector in Solomon Islands.
Minister Conroy had productive discussions with Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Peter Shanel. As a founding member of the Pacific Islands Forum, Australia is working with Solomon Islands to support a peaceful, stable and prosperous region. They discussed the ways in which Australia will support Solomon Islands to deliver the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting, including security vehicles, cybersecurity, logistics, as well as infrastructure.
Minister of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, Hon Trevor Mahaga and Minister Conroy met to discuss shared priorities for tackling the climate crisis – including Australia’s bid to host COP31 in 2026 in partnership with the Pacific. Australia is committed to supporting Solomon Islands low-emission, climate resilient development. Ministers also discussed next steps for progressing Australia’s commitment to supporting Solomon Islands to develop its sovereign Humanitarian and Disaster Response capability, including a new humanitarian warehouse in Honiara so that the Solomon Islands Government can respond quickly to help local communities when disaster strikes.
Finally, during his visit, Minister Conroy was delighted to celebrate a milestone under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme – announcing that more than 10,000 Solomon Islanders have now gone to Australia to work under the scheme.
ENDS///….
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