Peace and Security Vital for the Stability of Solomon Islands

Secretary-General Don McKinnon with Sir Allan Kemakeza, Prime Minister of Solomon Islands

Peace and security are vital for the stability and progress of Solomon Islands, said Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon during his visit to the country's capital, Honiara, from 30 October to 1 November 2005.

The Secretary-General said Solomon Islands has a promising future if the Government continues on the path of good governance, accountability and transparency, with respect for democracy, the rule of law and human rights.

Mr McKinnon held bilateral meetings with Prime Minister Sir Allan Kemakeza, Deputy Prime Minister Snyder Rini, Foreign Minister Laurie Chan, Finance Minister Peter Boyers and the Minister for Commerce, Industries, Employment and Trade, Walton Naezon.

The Secretary-General also met with the Speaker of the National Parliament, Sir Peter Kenilorea, and Governor-General Sir Nathaniel Rahumaea Waena. The leaders briefed him on the Government's national development plans which are targeted at economic recovery and improvements in health, education, agriculture and infrastructure. The Prime Minister and Cabinet ministers expressed hope for industrial growth in Solomon Islands, particularly in the manufacturing, mining, forestry and farming sectors. They stressed the need to attract foreign investors and to develop a pool of skilled workers.

The government leaders shared their aspirations for effective national reconciliation and reconstruction in Solomon Islands by fostering harmony within its multi-ethnic society. The Commonwealth Fund for Technical Co-operation (CFTC) also featured in their discussions. The Commonwealth Secretariat, which administers the CFTC, has conducted socio-economic programmes which involved the training of government officials to enhance public service delivery in various areas, including the law and justice, and the maritime and mining sectors.

Mr McKinnon also held meetings with Opposition leader Francis Billy Hilly, representatives of civil society and the Special Co-ordinator for the Regional Assistance Mission for the Solomon Islands (RAMSI), Ambassador James Batley, who updated him on the security situation in the country.

Set up in 2003 to restore peace in Solomon Islands, which was facing political strife, this assistance programme involves the deployment of 250 police personnel from Australia, Fiji Islands, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

The Secretary-General commended the work of RAMSI in restoring peace and security in Solomon Islands, saying that it served as "a model of regional partnership in the Pacific". He emphasised the importance of reconciliation and nation-building to enhance confidence in Solomon Islands, and stated that a peaceful environment is the basis for socio-economic development and stability which will attract foreign investment and promote healthy economic growth and regional stability. He reassured the country's leaders of the Secretariat's continued commitment to provide technical assistance to strengthen its national resilience through capacity-building that will enable the Government to attain its development goals.

Key Links:

• Country Profile: Solomon Islands