AGP Executive Report

Solomon Islands–Australia Reset: New PM Matthew Wale met Anthony Albanese in Canberra and said Honiara will negotiate a comprehensive strategic treaty with Australia while “reviewing” the 2022 secret security pact with China, after claiming he only saw the full text days before his trip and that a non-disclosure clause limited disclosure. Regional Security & Policing: Both leaders backed stronger cooperation on regional security and transnational crime, with talks also pointing to deeper police ties. Pacific-led Cooperation: Australia and Solomon Islands reaffirmed support for Pacific Islands Forum-led approaches to peace and security, climate action, and shared regional priorities. Local Governance & Services: Western Province Premier Billy Veo urged GREAT and the Solomon Islands Airport Corporation to fast-track upgrades to the Nusatupe Airport terminal in Gizo. Women & Child Protection Policy: Auki hosted a workshop to update Malaita’s Women’s Policy on empowerment and reporting. Youth, Education & Community Safety: New Zealand-backed YSED+CP and SIEVAP programmes were launched to strengthen youth empowerment and end violence against children. Food & Agriculture: JAAS rice experts began a technical mission with MALD to support mechanised commercial rice farming and reduce reliance on imported rice. Infrastructure for Trade: Buala’s new climate-resilient market building was handed over, funded by Australia, with improved water storage, solar lighting, and vendor facilities.

Security & Diplomacy: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale says his government will review the secretive 2022 China security pact, citing a non-disclosure clause and saying he only saw the full text days before his Australia trip, after removing people from key positions to gain access; Australia Reset: Wale and Australian PM Anthony Albanese agreed to begin negotiations on a “comprehensive” new strategic treaty and to deepen police cooperation, with leaders framing it as a reset based on mutual trust, respect and open dialogue; Aid & Implementation: Australia also pledged SBD$200 million to support Solomon Islands’ response to Cyclone Maila and impacts of global energy shocks, plus more education training and scholarships; Local Governance & Youth: Isabel Province youth leaders urged young people to help shape development, while New Zealand-backed programmes launched to strengthen child protection and end violence through locally-led community action; Public Services: A new climate-resilient Buala market building was handed over to vendors, funded by Australia under the Provincial Markets Redevelopment Program; Weather Readiness: Honiara hosted the Weather Ready Pacific steering meeting as the government reaffirmed support for radar, training and early-warning connectivity.

Security & Diplomacy: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale says his government will review the secretive 2022 security pact with China, noting he only gained access to the text days before his Australia trip and that it includes a non-disclosure clause; he also says he has reshuffled key positions to get the deal reviewed. Australia Reset: In Canberra, Wale and Australian PM Anthony Albanese agreed to “elevate” ties through negotiations on a comprehensive strategic treaty and to deepen police cooperation, with leaders framing the move as a “reset” after years of tension. Aid & Education Commitments: Australia pledged SBD 200 million (AUD 35m) to support Solomon Islands’ response to Cyclone Maila and energy-shock impacts, plus doubling training and vocational scholarships to 1,500 by 2027 and increasing Pacific Engagement visas to 300. Local Governance & Youth: Isabel youth leaders and former PM Jeremiah Manele urged development that reaches villages and protects natural resources, while a separate youth governance survey highlights low trust in public financial management and rights protections. Community Safety Programs: New Zealand-backed initiatives launched in Auki aim to reduce violence against children and improve child protection and local youth entrepreneurship. Justice Update: A man found “of unsound mind” in an attempted murder case remains at Rove Correctional Centre pending Governor General directions for mental detention remand.

Australia–Solomons Treaty Talks: New PM Matthew Wale met Anthony Albanese in Canberra and both leaders agreed to start negotiations on a “comprehensive” strategic treaty, aiming to “elevate” ties on mutual trust and open dialogue, alongside deeper police cooperation. China Security Pact Review: Wale said Solomon Islands will review the secretive 2022 security agreement with Beijing, noting it includes a non-disclosure clause and that he only saw the full text days before his trip—after removing people from key positions to access it. Reset With Australia: Wale framed the move as a “reset” after years of strained relations tied to Solomon Islands’ closer alignment with China. Development Support Package: Australia pledged SBD$200 million for cyclone Maila response and energy shock impacts, plus doubling training and vocational scholarships to 1,500 by 2027 and increasing Pacific Engagement visas to 300. Local Youth Priorities: In Isabel, youth leaders urged young people to shape development through education and entrepreneurship, while youth voices also called for better governance and services. Child Protection & Violence Prevention: New Zealand-backed programmes YSED+CP and SIEVAP were launched to push policy and community change to stop violence, including child marriage and early and forced marriage. Justice Update: A man found “of unsound mind” in an attempted murder case remains at Rove Correctional Centre pending Governor General directions for mental detention.

Solomon Islands–Australia reset: Prime Minister Matthew Wale arrives in Australia for his first overseas trip, with talks in Canberra expected to focus on regional stability, development, security cooperation, and climate resilience, as Australia seeks a new “comprehensive treaty” and to revive stalled policing arrangements amid China’s growing influence. Revenue Sharing Bill: Wale says the GREAT government will fast-track the long-awaited Revenue Sharing Bill to strengthen provincial autonomy, but warns implementation will depend on technical capacity and staffing across provinces. Climate finance that pays fast: The Central Bank says the first TrigaCash parametric microinsurance payouts have reached rural policyholders quickly after heavy rainfall, proving the system works without lengthy damage assessments. Local governance and coordination: Malaita Premier Elijah Asilaua urges NGOs to consult and collaborate with the provincial government to avoid duplication and better align services. Infrastructure update (Honiara): Yacht Club Junction sealing on Mendana Avenue is completed and reopened, with remaining road sections to follow and traffic disruptions expected. Justice: Two men receive jail terms for burglary at Agape Hilltop. Gender policy gap: Central Province Premier Kenneth Sagupari admits his province lacks specific GBV policies and pledges to develop frameworks after a workshop.

Prime Minister’s Australia trip: Matthew Wale has arrived in Australia for his first official overseas visit, with talks in Canberra expected to cover regional security, development, economic growth, and climate resilience, including a leaders’ meeting with Anthony Albanese on 3 June. Federal system push: Wale says the GREAT government will table a federal system bill later this year (aiming for the November/December sitting), with provinces to play a key role in shaping the model. Revenue Sharing Bill fast-tracked: GREAT also plans to speed up the long-awaited Revenue Sharing Bill to strengthen provincial autonomy, but warns implementation will depend on staffing and capacity. Climate insurance payout milestone: The Central Bank says rural Solomon Islanders have received the first TrigaCash parametric microinsurance payouts after heavy rainfall, proving the system can trigger and deliver funds quickly. Road works in Honiara: Yacht Club Junction sealing on Mendana Avenue is now open, with remaining sealing sections to follow and traffic disruptions expected. Malaita governance on violence: Malaita’s Premier Elijah Asilaua urged NGOs to coordinate with the provincial government to avoid duplication, while Central Province admitted a policy gap on gender-based violence and pledged reform. Health cooperation: Rick Houenipwela met the Philippines ambassador, noting an MoU on health cooperation is nearing final internal review. Regional security context: PNG’s Marape reiterated no foreign military bases as Australia expands presence at Lombrum, a reminder of the wider security debate across the region.

Solomon Islands-Australia Pivot: Prime Minister Matthew Wale has arrived in Australia for his first official overseas trip, with talks in Canberra expected to lift the bilateral relationship, including a new “comprehensive treaty” and a revived policing deal aimed at curbing China’s influence. Attorney General Sworn In: Gabriel Suri was sworn in as Solomon Islands’ Attorney General, taking over as the government’s chief legal adviser as reforms in mining, forestry, anti-corruption and legislative review get underway. Road Works Update: Yacht Club Junction sealing on Mendana Avenue in Honiara is completed and open to the public, with remaining sealing sections to follow and traffic controls expected. Climate Finance Milestone: Rural Solomon Islanders have received the first payouts under TrigaCash, the country’s first parametric microinsurance product, after heavy rainfall triggered payments. Gender Violence Governance: Central Province Premier Kenneth Sagupari admits a policy gap on gender-based violence and says reforms are coming after a provincial workshop. Health System Strengthening: Australia-backed training at the National Referral Hospital is improving maternal care skills, while Malaita’s provincial health summit supports primary health care performance improvements. Aviation Safety Leadership: PASO’s council elected Papua New Guinea’s Benedict Oraka as chair for the next 12 months, reinforcing regional aviation safety oversight. Youth and Jobs Pressure: A World Bank report warns Solomon Islands must create more jobs for a growing youth population, linking economic growth to water, agriculture and labor mobility.

Solomon Islands-Australia Pivot: Prime Minister Matthew Wale has begun his first official overseas trip to Australia, with talks in Canberra expected to deepen cooperation on security, jobs, climate resilience and more, after Australia’s Albanese moves to negotiate a new “comprehensive treaty” and revive a policing deal. Road Works in Honiara: The Yacht Club Junction sealing on Mendana Avenue is finished and reopened to the public, with remaining sealing sections to follow and traffic disruptions expected. Climate Finance for Rural Families: The Central Bank says TrigaCash has delivered Solomon Islands’ first parametric microinsurance payouts to about 35 rural policyholders after heavy rainfall, with automatic digital payments. Jobs and Economic Reform: PM Wale and GREAT Government leaders say the reform agenda will shift from exporting raw materials to local processing to create jobs and raise export value. Gender Violence Governance: Central Province Premier Kenneth Sagupari admits a policy gap on gender-based violence and pledges to develop new frameworks after a recent workshop. Sports Governance: The Solomon Islands Athletes Commission clarifies Oceania Athletes Forum participation in Auckland (May 21–23) and says lessons on athlete welfare and leadership will feed into local support programs. Legal Appointment: Gabriel Suri was sworn in as Attorney General, as government prepares mining, forestry, anti-corruption and legislative review reforms. Health Capacity Building: Australia-backed training at the National Referral Hospital strengthens maternal care skills, while Malaita’s primary health summit (with Australia support) focuses on practical improvements. World Bank on Youth Jobs: A World Bank report warns Solomon Islands must create more jobs for a growing youth population, linking growth to mining, fisheries, infrastructure and agriculture support. Ocean Governance Position: Solomon Islands used the Melanesian Ocean Summit plenary to stress ocean governance must be nationally led, Indigenous-led and implementation-ready, with domestic processes completed before any regional framework.

Ocean & High Seas Cooperation: Pacific voyaging leaders, scientists and government reps met in Rapa Nui to strengthen ancestral ties and coordinate ocean conservation, with Solomon Islands among participants. Trade & Fisheries Rules: A WTO fisheries-subsidy deal is in force, but critics warn the next phase could be undermined if India, Indonesia and the United States stall “Fish 2.” Attorney General Sworn In: Gabriel Suri was sworn in as Solomon Islands’ Attorney General, tasked as the government’s chief legal adviser as reforms move ahead. Bilateral Diplomacy: Prime Minister Matthew Wale met senior Australian officials to align bilateral support with Solomon Islands priorities, including governance reform and national security. Japan Health Support: Japan’s Ambassador met new Health Minister Morris Toiraena, reaffirming backing for the Kilu’ufi Hospital improvement and expansion in Malaita. Disaster Response Pressure: The Opposition says national leadership must move beyond reassurance after Cyclone Maila, calling for practical recovery action across Western and Choiseul. Climate Microinsurance: TrigaCash is rolling out an automated microinsurance safety net for climate shocks, aiming to speed up payouts to farmers and fishers. WASH for Schools: New Zealand and UNICEF delivered WASH upgrades at Vavalu Primary School, improving water, sanitation and menstrual hygiene for hundreds of students. Culture & Tourism: The NATPAN panpipe festival will proceed as planned despite government changes, with preparations continuing for July 1–5. Roadworks Disruptions: Honiara’s Mendana Avenue CBD works continue until end-July, with lane closures and traffic delays expected. Tourism Leadership: New Culture & Tourism Minister James Bonuga met tourism officials on visitor numbers and the next steps for the tourism agenda.

Attorney-General Sworn In: Gabriel Suri was officially sworn in as Solomon Islands’ Attorney General at Government House, taking over as the government’s chief legal adviser as the Wale administration moves into reforms on mining, forestry, anti-corruption and legislative review. Foreign Affairs Diplomacy: New Foreign Minister Rick Houenipwela met Japan’s Ambassador Keiichi Hagiuchi, reaffirming long-running cooperation—especially health support including the Kilu’ufi Hospital improvement and expansion in Malaita. US-Solomons Cooperation: The US Chargé d’Affaires Daniel O’Hara visited Houenipwela, highlighting progress under the MCC Threshold Program and the new Development Finance Corporation investment incentive agreement. Climate Microinsurance Rollout: TrigaCash is set to expand nationwide, using automatic payouts triggered by weather and climate thresholds to speed up recovery for farmers and fishers after shocks. Disaster Recovery Pressure: Opposition leaders called for practical disaster recovery leadership after Cyclone Maila, questioning whether recent reassurance visits have delivered tangible outcomes for Western and Choiseul. Regional Governance Workshop: Pacific meteorology directors met in Honiara to review the PIMS strategy and draft the next plan through 2036, funded by the EU. Health & Education WASH: New Zealand and UNICEF handed over WASH facilities at Vavalu Primary School, improving safe water, sanitation and hygiene—especially for girls’ attendance. Tourism Leadership: Newly appointed Culture & Tourism Minister James Bonuga met tourism officials and briefed on visitor numbers, aiming to strengthen coordination across the sector. Roadworks Disruption: Honiara’s Mendana Avenue CBD roadworks continue until end of July, with lane closures and traffic delays. Culture Event Confirmed: NATPAN panpipe festival will proceed July 1–5 despite government leadership changes. Geopolitics Watch: The Quad’s New Delhi meeting announced port infrastructure cooperation in Fiji, raising questions about future US-China competition in the Pacific.

Attorney-General Sworn In: Gabriel Suri was officially sworn in as Solomon Islands’ Attorney General at Government House, taking over as the government’s chief legal adviser as the Wale administration moves into reforms on mining, forestry, anti-corruption and law review. Regional Finance for SMEs: A new EU-backed Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund was launched in Suva to expand access to finance for micro, small and medium businesses across Fiji, PNG, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, targeting the blue economy, green economy and climate resilience. Climate Microinsurance Rollout (SI): TrigaCash is being rolled out to provide automated, trigger-based payouts to farmers and fishers after climate shocks, linking Solomon Islands institutions with partners like World Vision and mobile money provider M-SELEN. Health Partnerships (SI-Japan): Japan reaffirmed support for Solomon Islands’ health sector, including the Kilu’ufi Hospital improvement and expansion in Malaita, during meetings with the new Health Minister Morris Toiraena and Foreign Minister Rick Houenipwela. Tourism Leadership: New Culture & Tourism Minister James Bonuga met Tourism Solomons and the National Tourism Office team, briefing on visitor numbers and pushing for tighter collaboration to address sector challenges. Disaster Response Scrutiny: Opposition called for national attention and practical disaster recovery leadership after Cyclone Maila, questioning whether recent reassurance visits delivered measurable operational outcomes. WASH at Vavalu Primary (SI): New Zealand and UNICEF handed over improved water, sanitation and hygiene facilities at Vavalu Primary School, boosting attendance and menstrual hygiene support for girls. Roadworks Disruptions: Honiara’s Mendana Avenue CBD roadworks continue until end-July, with lane closures and traffic delays expected. Sports Governance: Solomon Islands Athletes Commission representatives attended the Oceania Athletes Forum in Auckland, focusing on athlete representation and governance responsibilities.

Australia–Solomon Islands First Talks: Newly elected PM Matthew Wale will travel to Canberra to meet Anthony Albanese on 3 June, with economic development and security cooperation expected to top the agenda. China Security Scrutiny: A report says Chinese police in the Solomon Islands’ Fighter One village used fingerprinting and personal-data cards after a 2022 security pact, raising concerns about surveillance and legal safeguards. US Investment Deal: In Honiara, the US and Solomon Islands signed an Investment Incentive Agreement enabling US DFC-backed private investment for jobs, infrastructure, connectivity and energy. Cyclone Maila Reassurance Visit: PM Wale is set to visit Western and Choiseul communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila, with Australian funding via the High Commission and coordination through the National Disaster Council. Education Water Upgrade: Vavalu Primary in Guadalcanal received new WASH facilities—spring water supply, ablution blocks and handwashing stations—supporting attendance and hygiene. Roadworks Disruption: Honiara’s Mendana Avenue CBD roadworks continue until end-July, with lane closures and traffic control measures. Local Governance & Faith: East Malaita MP Manasseh Maelanga was ordained an Anglican priest, shortly after being sworn in as Home Affairs minister. Community Safety: Malaita chiefs approved a police-led crocodile hunt after two fatal attacks on the Wairaha River.

WASH in Schools: New Zealand, UNICEF and MEHRD handed over improved water, sanitation and hygiene facilities at Vavalu Primary in Guadalcanal, including a spring catchment system, elevated tank, gender-friendly ablution blocks and handwashing stations for 27 schools. New PM’s first overseas push: Newly elected Prime Minister Matthew Wale will visit Australia for talks with Anthony Albanese in Canberra on 3 June, with economic development and security expected to top the agenda after Wale’s earlier criticism of the 2022 China deal. Disaster response: Wale is set to lead a reassurance visit to cyclone Maila-affected communities in Western and Choiseul, with Australian funding and coordination through the National Disaster Council. Road disruption: Major works on Honiara’s Mendana Avenue will cause CBD traffic delays and lane narrowing until end of July. Local governance & safety: Malaita chiefs have approved a crocodile hunt after two fatal attacks, with police coordinating the response. Church & leadership: East Malaita MP Manasseh Maelanga was ordained an Anglican priest one week after being sworn in as Home Affairs minister. Jobs and investment framework: The Solomon Islands and the United States signed an Investment Incentive Agreement in Honiara to unlock private sector-led development. Workplace controversy: China Railway faces renewed criticism over alleged poor treatment of workers at a mining camp, including food complaints. Regional security cooperation: UK HMS Tamar highlights ongoing maritime security challenges, including IUU fishing and narcotics, and reaffirms support for Solomon Islands and Pacific partners.

Anglican Church & Government: East Malaita MP and Home Affairs Minister Manasseh Maelanga was ordained an Anglican priest on Pentecost Sunday, a week after being sworn in under PM Matthew Wale, with Deputy PM Francis Sade attending. New PM’s regional diplomacy: Newly elected PM Wale will travel to Australia for talks with Anthony Albanese on 3 June, with economic development and security expected to top the agenda. Disaster response: PM Wale is set to undertake a reassurance visit to Tropical Cyclone Maila-affected communities in Western and Choiseul, with Australian High Commission funding and coordination through the National Disaster Council. US investment framework: The U.S. and Solomon Islands signed an Investment Incentive Agreement in Honiara on 23 May, enabling U.S. DFC-backed private capital for jobs, infrastructure, connectivity and energy. Mining & jobs concerns: Gold Ridge Mining welcomed PM Wale and pledged to strengthen the economy through the Gold Ridge project, while separate reports raise renewed questions about worker treatment at a China Railway mining camp. Local safety: Malaita chiefs approved a police-led crocodile hunt after two fatal attacks along the Wairaha River.

New PM’s first overseas push: Newly elected Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale will travel to Australia for talks with Anthony Albanese in Canberra on 3 June, with economic development and security high on the agenda. Disaster response: Wale is also leading a reassurance visit to Tropical Cyclone Maila-affected communities in Western and Choiseul, with Australian funding and coordination through the National Disaster Council. U.S. investment deal: In Honiara, the U.S. and Solomon Islands signed a Solomon Islands–United States Investment Incentive Agreement to unlock private capital for jobs, infrastructure, connectivity and energy. Maritime security focus: UK Royal Navy HMS Tamar’s visit to Solomon Islands highlighted growing maritime threats like IUU fishing and narcotics, alongside renewed UK–SI cooperation. Regional fisheries enforcement: Pacific partners completed Operation Tui Moana 2026, conducting 61 vessel inspections and identifying vessels of interest, with investigations ongoing. Local safety action: Malaita chiefs have given police the green light to hunt crocodiles after two fatal attacks on the Wairaha River. Business and labour tensions: Reports say China Railway’s mining camp has faced renewed backlash over worker treatment and food conditions. Tourism data: Kiribati’s 2025 International Visitor Survey report (with Solomon included in the regional data initiative) points to how Pacific tourism planning is being shaped by evidence.

New PM’s Australia trip: Newly elected Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale will travel to Canberra for talks with Australian PM Anthony Albanese on 3 June, with economic development and security expected to top the agenda. Disaster response: Wale will lead a reassurance visit to Tropical Cyclone Maila-affected communities in Western and Choiseul from 27–29 May, with support funded by Australia via the High Commission and coordinated through the National Disaster Council. US investment deal: In Honiara on 23 May, the Solomon Islands and the United States signed an Investment Incentive Agreement, paving the way for U.S. DFC-backed private investment in infrastructure, ICT connectivity and energy. Regional security & fisheries: Pacific partners wrapped up Operation Tui Moana 2026, reporting 61 vessel inspections and identifying vessels of interest as part of the fight against IUU fishing and related crimes. Maritime cooperation (UK): UK Royal Navy HMS Tamar’s visit to Tulagi was used to highlight stronger UK–Solomon Islands ties on maritime security and fisheries protection. Youth & services pressure: Young people are calling for Budget 2026 to better fund rangatahi wellbeing, youth spaces, mental health, transport and affordable childcare.