Solomon Islands Participates in 3rd Japan–Pacific Islands Defence Dialogue in Tokyo

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services, Ms. Karen Galokale, and the Assistant Commissioner (Supervising) of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force represented Solomon Islands at the 3rd Japan–Pacific Islands Defence Dialogue (JPIDD) held in Tokyo, Japan from 22–24 February 2026.

The Dialogue, inaugurated in 2021, marks its third convening and continues to serve as an important platform for strategic discussion between Japan and Pacific Island countries on shared security interests. Solomon Islands first participated in the Dialogue in 2024.

This year’s Dialogue brought together Defence Ministers and senior representatives from 14 Pacific Island nations alongside Japan. Defence Ministers from Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Tonga were in attendance. Other Pacific Island countries without standing defence forces were represented by senior executive officials from policing and national security ministries. In total, 28 countries participated in the Dialogue, including seven member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

A series of bilateral meetings were convened on the margins of the Dialogue. Solomon Islands held productive side meetings focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation with Japan, Indonesia, Australia and the United Kingdom. Discussions centred on maritime cooperation, capacity development, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), and broader security collaboration.

During the bilateral meeting with Japan, the Permanent Secretary acknowledged and conveyed Solomon Islands’ sincere appreciation for the continued support provided by the Government of Japan toward the clearance of Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) deposits across the country. She recognised Japan’s ongoing assistance through the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which is providing advisory support to the newly established UXO Coordination Office within the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services.

The Permanent Secretary further appealed to the Government of Japan to consider expanding its training and technical assistance to support the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) capability of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, as the Force continues its critical work in clearing UXOs that pose ongoing risks to communities and development activities.

On Monday 23 February 2026, the Permanent Secretary delivered Solomon Islands’ intervention during Session 2 of the Dialogue on Climate Change and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) initiatives. In her remarks, she underscored the growing security implications of climate change for small island states.

“For Solomon Islands, climate change is not only an environmental issue, it is increasingly a national security concern,” the Permanent Secretary stated. “In small island states such as ours, the connection between climate change and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief is immediate and operational.”

She further highlighted that Solomon Islands’ response is guided by its National Climate Change Policy 2023–2032 and reinforced by the National Security Strategy 2025–2028, where climate security is recognised as a core pillar of national stability.

The Permanent Secretary emphasised that Solomon Islands does not have a military force, and that the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force performs a dual role in traditional policing and frontline disaster response. As climate-related disasters increase in frequency and intensity, she noted that enhanced bilateral and multilateral cooperation is essential to strengthen preparedness, logistics, and resilient infrastructure. She further underscored that Solomon Islands will engage with all partners where it serves Solomon Islands’ national interest and its sovereign priorities, particularly in building our domestic security capabilities and capacities.

“In closing, Solomon Islands believes that climate resilience, HADR preparedness, and national security are mutually reinforcing. We stand ready to work with Japan and regional partners to advance practical, sustainable, and coordinated solutions for a secure and resilient Pacific,” she said, reiterating that Solomon Islands will engage with all partners where it serves Solomon Islands’ national interest and its sovereign priorities, particularly in building our domestic security capabilities and capacities.

The Government of Solomon Islands reaffirmed its commitment to constructive regional engagement and to strengthening partnerships that enhance national and regional security.

From L-R Japanese Vice Minister of Defence for International Affairs handshake with the PS of the Ministry of Police, National Security & Correctional Services.

-MPNSCS Press