THE HON JOEL FITZGIBBON MP
Minister for Defence
Wednesday, 10 September 2008
119/2008
DEFENCE MINISTER MEETS SOLOMON ISLANDS PRIME
MINISTER
The Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon, met with Solomon Islands Prime
Minister, the Hon. Dr. Derek Sikua and the Minister for National Security, Police and
Correctional Services, the Hon. Samuel Manetoali, in Honiara today to discuss
Australia’s contribution to the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands
(RAMSI).
“Australia has an abiding interest in the security and stability of Solomon Islands and
the region’s collective resolve and firm commitment to RAMSI,” said Mr Fitzgibbon.
“I congratulate Prime Minister Sikua on his vision and commitment to strengthening
the foundations for future development in Solomon Islands and his government’s
close cooperation with Australia and the region to restore stability and improve
governance.”
In discussions with Mr Manetoali, Mr Fitzgibbon underlined the marked improvement
in the working relationship between the Solomon Islands Police Force (SIPF) and
RAMSI.
Minister Fitzgibbon also visited Australian troops who make up the Combined Task
Force security detachment for RAMSI. The ADF currently provides a ‘company sized’
contribution to RAMSI, which includes 144 reservist soldiers largely from The Royal
New South Wales Regiment.
“Our troops are doing excellent work in support of the law and order effort, being led
by the Solomon Islands Police and the Participating Police Force,” said Mr
Fitzgibbon.
“The security situation in the Solomon Islands remains stable and this is largely due
to RAMSI’s presence. While there is still work to be done, we are confident that the
Solomon Islands is making progress towards managing their own internal security.
“Australia is committed to working with the Solomon Islands Government to continue
to build capacity in this area,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
The Minister said he was pleased with the contribution the ADF was making to
RAMSI and that Australians should be proud of their soldiers’ efforts to serve in this
capacity away from their family and friends.
Media contacts:
Christian Taubenschlag (Joel Fitzgibbon):
02 6277 7800 or 0438 595 567
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
