Australia’s Pacific Minister, Pat Conroy in Honiara to Strengthen Ties

Australia’s Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Pat Conroy, is in Solomon Islands to strengthen the enduring partnership between Australia and Solomon Islands. 

On his first day in Honiara, Minister Conroy held warm and productive discussions with Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Communication and Aviation Frederick Kologeto and Minister of Police, National Security and Correctional Service Jimson Tanangada.

Minister Conroy and Prime Minister Manele discussed Australia’s steadfast commitment to Solomon Islands’ economic, development and security priorities and how Australia’s initiatives are delivering economic growth, jobs and infrastructure to deliver maximum impact for the people of Solomon Islands. 

Conroy met with Deputy Prime Minister Kologeto and discussed the critical role of aviation and telecommunications connectivity in growing economic opportunities and jobs across the Solomon Islands archipelago. 

Minister Conroy and Minister Tanangada discussed the enduring security partnership, including Australia’s ongoing commitment to support the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force now and into the future. 

Under the Solomon Islands-Australia Partnership, Australia and Solomon Islands are working side-by-side to boost economic development, security and stability.

Conroy’s visit follows visits to Fiji and Papua New Guinea.

In Fiji, Minister Conroy attended the Melanesian Spearhead Group Leaders’ Summit to discuss common interests in a strong, secure and prosperous region.

In PNG, alongside representatives from the Australian Rugby League Commission and National Rugby League (NRL), Conroy met key stakeholders to reaffirm Australia’s commitment to developing rugby league pathways and establishing a competitive and sustainable PNG NRL franchise for entry into the NRL competition by 2028. 

He also delivered remarks at the 40th Australia-PNG Business Forum to highlight Australia’s support for PNG’s continued economic growth as its largest trading and investment partner.