Solomon Islands and Australia begin a new era of cooperation today with an expanded Solomon Islands–Australia Partnership for Development.
From today, programs funded by AusAID through the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) in governance, elections and law and justice transfer to the Partnership for Development. The expanded Partnership will help Solomon Islands continue to deliver health and education services, improve water supply and sanitation, promote rural development and maintain vital transport infrastructure.
The Solomon Islands Minister for Development Planning & Aid Coordination, Connelly Sandakabatu said the Partnership for Development has existed since 2009 and plays a critical role in supporting the Government deliver essential services to Solomon Islanders.
'The transition of RAMSI programs to the Partnership recognises the country's great progress over the last 10 years. But it also recognises that our development challenges are best dealt with through a Partnership for Development which provides long term planning and funding certainty,' Minister Sandakabatu said.
'As agreed at the recent annual Partnership talks, we will be integrating state-building and peace-building themes into the expanded Partnership. But now is the time for Solomon Islanders to lead the country's development for the benefit of all our people.'
'Our relationship with Australia has grown over the years and we value the Partnership because of the very practical assistance it offers to Solomon Islands. The Government and people of Solomon Islands look forward to Australia's ongoing support through the expanded Partnership,' Minister Sandakabatu said.
Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Matt Anderson said the expanded Partnership reflects Australia's strong commitment to Solomon Islands.
'The new Partnership continues to support the Solomon Islands Government's priorities which are outlined in their National Development Strategy and our shared efforts are making a real difference to improve the lives of all Solomon Islanders,' Mr Anderson said.
RAMSI continues as a police mission supporting the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force for a further four more years.
Australia is the biggest donor to Solomon Islands, providing more than A$187.9 million in development assistance in 2013–14.