Security Agreement signing
Solomon Islands and Fiji Strengthen Bilateral Ties with Security Agreement
HONIARA, Solomon Islands, (9 September 2025) – The Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Hon. Jeremiah Manele MP, and the Prime Minister of Fiji, Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka, have signed a bilateral agreement for the deployment of Fijian security personnel to Solomon Islands.
At the signing ceremony on the sidelines of the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Summit in Honiara on Tuesday, both leaders hailed the agreement as a testament to the enduring and growing relations between the two Melanesian neighbours.
“We are connected by the Pacific Ocean, Culture, and our Shared History,” Prime Minister Manele said, highlighting the deepening relations between the two Melanesian countries.
Mr. Manele acknowledged the long-standing ties between the two nations, including Fijian missionaries and soldiers who have served in Solomon Islands during pre-colonial times and World War II, and during the recent social unrest events.
“Fijian missionaries have worked in parts of the Solomon Islands, who have served in the colonial days. The deployment of Fijian soldiers goes back to World War II; some have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Solomon Islands pays tribute to them for their service,” Manele said.
Prime Minister Manele noted that Fiji is well-placed to fill Solomon Islands’ national critical security gaps, saying, “We hope and pray we will not trigger the Agreement, but should the need arise, we have placed Fiji on our speed dial.”
The agreement aligns with the Biketawa and Boe Declarations and reflects Solomon Islands’ security strategy of broadening partnerships and deepening relations with Melanesian neighbours.
“This agreement aligns with the ‘Biketawa and Boe Declarations. Given Solomon Islands’ special situation as a post-conflict country, we have adopted a security strategy of broadening our security partnerships and deepening our security relations with our Melanesian Wantoks to support national and regional stability,” Prime Minister Manele said.
The signing ceremony, held against the backdrop of a traditional canoe (The Tepuke) and a symbol of peace, highlights the shared blue Pacific identity and commitment to peace, progress, and prosperity, and the importance of cooperation between the two nations.
Fiji’s Prime Minister Hon. Rabuka delivering his statement at the Security Agreement signing
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele and Fiji’s Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka with copies of the Bilateral Security Agreement
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Hon. Manele speaking at the Security Agreement signing
Ends///.