Police transport ballot boxes to a vote counting centre in Honiara, capital city of the Solomon Islands, on Apr 18, 2024, a day after the general elections. SYDNEY: Australia said on Friday it has agreed to help boost Solomon Islands' police force with a finance and training package for the Pacific nation, which has fostered close ties with China.
It represents a"new foundation for Australia's security partnership with the Solomon Islands", Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told a news conference.Manele's predecessor switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 2019. "My government is proud to make a significant investment in the police force of the Solomon Islands to ensure that they can continue to take primary responsibility for security in the Solomons," Albanese said.
CNA Explains: Why does the national election in tiny Solomon Islands matter for the rest of the world?It maintains a small but conspicuous police presence in country, sending a revolving cadre of officers to train locals in shooting and riot tactics.