Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, arrived in Solomon Islands today to officially open the Western Border Outpost in the Shortland Islands with local government ministers.
During the visit, Marles will also meet with Prime Minister Matthew Wale to discuss shared priorities and cooperation between the two countries.
Marles will be joined at the opening ceremony, to be held on site at the WBO facility at Lofung South tomorrow, by the Deputy Prime Ministe Francis Sade, the Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services, John Tuhaika Jr, and the Minister for, Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration, Harry Kuma.
“I look forward to visiting Solomon Islands to meet with Prime Minister Wale and join Solomon Islands Government ministers to open the Western Border Outpost facility,” Marles said ahead of his arrival.
“Pacific security is most effective when it is led by Pacific nations,” he added.
“Australia is proud to work alongside our Pacific partners to support their priorities and contribute to a secure, stable and resilient region.”
The Western Border Outpost is a joint infrastructure project between the Australian and Solomon Islands governments.
The new facility brings together Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, Customs, Immigration, and Biosecurity officials in a single location.
The Outpost will also support Solomon Islands’ Guardian-class Patrol Boats, while enhancing border security and maritime surveillance.
Once handed over, the facility will be operated by Solomon Islands as a sovereign asset.
While Australia will continue to support Solomon Islands’ security and law enforcement agencies, including through the flagship RSIPF-AFP Policing Partnership Program, there will not be a permanent Australian presence at the Outpost.
This is Deputy Prime Minister Marles’ second trip to Solomon Islands this year, after he also visited in February 2026.
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