AUSTRALIA’S Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy, arrives in the country today for two days of official engagement. 

Conroy said a statement he is visiting to continue deepening the relationship between Solomon Islands and Australia. 

“My visit coincides with the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI), when the Pacific family came together to successfully restore peace and security in Solomon Islands,” Conroy said. 

RAMSI, which came in June 2003 to restore law and order following the civil unrest that broke out in 1998, had remained in the country until 30 June 2017. 

Conroy said Australia and Solomon Islands have a deep and enduring friendship. 

“Australia is Solomon Islands’ largest bilateral development partner, and we are working together across all areas of society and the economy, delivering jobs and building prosperity for Solomon Islands and its people.” 

While in Solomon Islands, Conroy will meet with his ministerial counterparts in the Government to exchange views on our shared challenges and opportunities. 

“I look forward to engaging with the local community and community leaders, Australia Awards alumni, women construction trainees at an Australian supported rural training centre and students at the Solomon Islands National University, where I will deliver a keynote address. 

“We are committed to working closely together with the people of the Solomon Islands to build a secure, prosperous and resilient region, based on trust and mutual respect, as members of the Pacific family.” 

Conroy’s visit came three weeks after Richard Marles, Australia’s deputy prime minister and Minister for Defence, made a two-day visit in late June.