PM Wale strengthens Solomon Islands-US relations with trade, security commitment

Prime Minister Matthew Wale has used his first official visit to Washington to strengthen Solomon Islands' relationship with the United States, securing new agreements on maritime security, development and investment.

The visit comes just months after Wale took office and signals a new phase in relations between Honiara and Washington.

Discussions ranged from tackling illegal fishing to expanding economic opportunities and reviving long-standing people-to-people ties.

One of the key outcomes will be the signing of a Ship Rider Agreement in Honiara next week, which will allow the United States Coast Guard to work alongside Solomon Islands police to strengthen maritime surveillance and law enforcement.

Speaking after meeting US Coast Guard Vice Commandant Admiral Thomas G. Allan Jr, Wale said Pacific countries faced growing security challenges at sea.

"Prime Minister Wale highlighted the urgent need to enhance security across the Pacific region, noting the increasing threats of drug trafficking, human trafficking, and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing," a Solomon Islands government statement said.

Matthew Wale says closer cooperation with the United States could help address growing concerns around transnational crime and maritime security in the Pacific. Photo/Prime Minister's Office, Solomon Islands

Allan Jr said the US Coast Guard remained committed to working with Pacific partners to address shared maritime challenges including illegal fishing and other transnational crimes.

The US Coast Guard has expanded patrols across the Pacific in recent years, working with local "ship riders" to monitor vast stretches of ocean and combat illegal fishing and other transnational crime.

Former Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, James Batley, said the agreement represented an important shift under Wale's new government.

Watch Matthew Wale visit the US Coast Guard and Peace Corps offices in Washington.

"There is a lot of anxiety around the Pacific about transnational criminal movement of drugs, with 'narco subs' turning up in Solomon Islands, so I think the US could mount a persuasive case they could help on that front," Batley's statement read.

Beyond security, Wale also met US Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau, to discuss investment opportunities which include the proposed Bina Harbour seaport and tuna processing facility in Malaita Province.

The project is seen as an important opportunity to add value to Solomon Islands' tuna industry by processing fish locally rather than exporting it overseas.

Landau said the United States was interested in supporting Solomon Islands’ economic development priorities and this included the proposed Bina Harbour project. Both sides have agreed to continue discussions on possible investment opportunities.

The leaders also discussed cooperation in the energy sector and opportunities through the US Development Finance Corporation and the Millennium Challenge Corporation.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale signs a letter of intent with US Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau, to re-establish the US Peace Corps in the Solomons. Photo/Prime Minister's Office, Solomon Islands

Another outcome of the visit was the signing of a Letter of Intent to bring the United States Peace Corps back to Solomon Islands.

The programme previously supported community development, education and skills training across the country before it ended several years ago.

Wale welcomed the move.

"History itself has shown how Solomon Islands has benefited from the Peace Corps programme. Many Solomon Islanders can testify to the positive experiences and contributions made by Peace Corps volunteers over the years," he said.

The agreement signals both governments' intention to complete the legal and administrative steps needed to return Peace Corps volunteers to Solomon Islands.

Watch Matthew Wales speaking from Washington.

Wale's visit also included discussions on strengthening the long-standing partnership between the two countries and expanding future economic cooperation.

After Washington, Wale will travel to Japan for talks with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

Observers say his visit reflects a wider effort by island nations to strengthen international partnerships while keeping the focus on regional priorities such as maritime security, sustainable fisheries, economic development and investment.