Fiji has sealed a new security pact with the Solomon Islands, clearing the way for Fijian police and military personnel to be deployed to Honiara during high-risk events and national emergencies.
In a response to a question from Assistant Rural and Maritime Development Minister Jovesa Vocea, Mr Rabuka said a MOU was signed in Honiara on September 9 on the margins of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting.
“This one, Mr Speaker, Sir, is about the deployment of security personnel between the Republic of Fiji and the Solomon Islands,” Mr Rabuka said.
“On 9th September, this MOU was signed to support the Government of the Solomon Islands in maintaining public safety and order, particularly during high-risk national events, including the conduct of their general elections and other national security operations.”
Mr Rabuka said the agreement provided a clear framework for future deployments, outlining procedures for requests, scope of duties, rules of engagement, and logistics. He stressed that Fijian personnel would operate on “non-political, non-interventionist” terms, with full respect for Solomon Islands’ sovereignty.
The Prime Minister also recalled Fiji’s role in the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) from 2003 to 2017, saying the new agreement built on that legacy and reflected “the depth of our association and feelings that we have for one another”.
“This agreement stands as a testament to the enduring and deep-rooted relationship between our two nations,” he said, adding the arrangement was consistent with Fiji’s foreign policy and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
