AGP Executive Report

Regional Security: New PM and incoming Pacific Islands Forum Chair Matthew Wale used his inauguration to push for a stronger Pacific-led regional security framework, urging leaders to take ownership of the region’s future as geopolitical tensions grow. Pacific Unity & Governance: Wale and Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka reaffirmed a united Pacific voice, while PIF Troika talks in Suva focused on regional architecture reforms, progress on the Suva Agreement, and preparations for COP31. Foreign Policy Reset: Wale’s early diplomacy signals a shift toward “balanced” partnerships, including renewed emphasis on ties with Fiji and Japan, alongside a broader push for Melanesian cooperation. SME Finance: Government signed a revised MoU with the Central Bank to strengthen the SME Credit Guarantee Scheme, including planned SBD18 million disbursement in 2026. Minimum Wage: Private sector groups urged broad provincial consultation and an economic impact assessment before any minimum wage adjustment. Policing Integrity: Solomon Islands Police Commissioner Ian Vaevaso was suspended as an independent tribunal investigates allegations he destroyed meth evidence and obstructed an internal probe. Local Delivery: East Honiara delivered materials for the Aekafo footpath project, improving access and safety for residents. Culture & Resilience: NATPAN 2026 opened in Honiara, and provincial officers began climate resilience training in Tulagi.

Minimum Wage Review: Private sector groups, via SICCI, urged Solomon Islands to consult broadly across provinces and assess economic conditions before any adjustment to the national minimum wage (SBD$8/hour since 2019), warning a poorly set increase could hurt business viability and jobs. Regional Governance Push: PM Matthew Wale and Fiji’s PM Sitiveni Rabuka backed a stronger, unified Pacific voice, while PIF Troika talks in Suva focused on evolving regional institutions, Suva Agreement progress, and preparations for COP31. SME Finance: Government signed a revised MoU with CBSI to strengthen the SME Credit Guarantee Scheme, including SBD18 million disbursement from 2026, aiming to expand access to business lending. Policing Integrity: Solomon Islands Police Commissioner Ian Vaevaso was suspended as an independent tribunal investigates claims he destroyed meth evidence and obstructed an internal probe. Independence Week Logistics & Culture: Honiara’s 7 July independence float parade details were released, and the 2026 National Panpipe Festival (NAPTAN) is underway (July 1–5). Local Delivery: East Honiara delivered materials for the Aekafo footpath project, improving access and safety for residents. Public Service Announcements: A National Thanksgiving Church Service for the 48th independence anniversary is set for 5 July at St Barnabas Cathedral.

Anti-Corruption Oversight: Transparency Solomon Islands says the Great Coalition Government is moving to strengthen SIICAC after it was effectively dormant for two years, calling for swift action to restore the anti-corruption body’s full operations. Policing & Justice: Solomon Islands Police Commissioner Ian Vaevaso has been suspended while an independent tribunal investigates claims he destroyed meth evidence and obstructed an internal probe; an acting commissioner is expected to be appointed within 48 hours. Regional Leadership: Prime Minister Matthew Wale is in Fiji for the PIF Troika Meeting, stressing a stronger, more unified Pacific voice and discussing MSG priorities, including evolving the MSG Trade Agreement. Governance Capacity: MALD and FAO began a three-day workshop to build systems for implementing a USD 4.7m GEF project, focusing on planning, risk management, monitoring, controls and donor accountability. Culture & Community: NATPAN Festival 2026 opened in Honiara, bringing together panpipe groups nationwide for five days of performances and heritage preservation. Disaster Readiness: SPC and WFP trained logistics and warehouse officers from six Pacific disaster offices in Brisbane to improve how relief supplies are stored and dispatched during emergencies. Public Works: Road marking works have started at Tandai in West Honiara to improve traffic flow and road safety. Health Support: Japan signed grant agreements for malaria diagnostic equipment and scholarships, with officials saying better testing is key to faster treatment and surveillance.

Police Accountability: Solomon Islands Police Commissioner Ian Vaevaso has been suspended while an independent tribunal investigates claims he destroyed meth evidence and obstructed an internal probe, with an acting commissioner expected to be appointed within 48 hours. Regional Diplomacy: PM Matthew Wale is in Fiji for the PIF Troika Meeting, calling for stronger Melanesian Spearhead Group cooperation on shared priorities as leaders gather in Suva. Independence Celebrations: Honiara’s 7 July independence float parade is set to fill the main streets, featuring ministries, schools and civil society, with the theme “Our Nation, Our Responsibility and Accountability.” Health & Grants: Japan has signed two new grant agreements for Solomon Islands—scholarships for human resource development and modern malaria diagnosis equipment—worth a total of 294 million Japanese Yen. Mining Cooperation: Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea are deepening mining sector governance cooperation, with PNG offering policy and legal expertise as Honiara pushes reforms for greater national benefit. Maritime Services: Solomon Ports launched a Shipping Schedule Hub App to give the public real-time domestic vessel movement updates. Foreign Policy: Wale reaffirmed a balanced foreign policy and strengthened ties with Japan during bilateral talks in Honiara. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Road marking works have started at Tandai in West Honiara to improve traffic flow and road user safety. Climate & Resilience: Pacific leaders and youth are pushing for child-centred climate decision-making at a major forum in Vanuatu.

Pacific Diplomacy: PM Matthew Wale has arrived in Fiji for the Pacific Islands Forum Troika Meeting, receiving a guard of honour and set to meet Fiji’s President and Prime Minister before returning to Honiara on 3 July. Foreign Policy: Wale also reiterated a “balanced” foreign policy in talks with Japan, thanking Tokyo for long-running soft-power support. Regional Security: Australia and Vanuatu signed the Nakamal Agreement, a watered-down pact that bars foreign military bases and keeps critical infrastructure “free from militarisation,” while only requiring consultation on third-party involvement. Mining Cooperation: PNG offered Solomon Islands its mining policy experience, with both leaders pushing reforms to improve governance and maximise local benefits. Government Capacity: Solomon Islands launched its Police Ministry Corporate Plan 2025–2028, outlining priorities for security, accountability, and border/maritime protection. Health & Scholarships: Japan signed new grant agreements for malaria diagnosis equipment and postgraduate scholarships for public servants. Local Governance & Services: Road marking works began at Tandai in West Honiara to improve traffic safety, while Solomon Ports launched a Shipping Schedule Hub App for real-time domestic vessel updates. Independence Build-up: Honiara’s 7 July independence float parade is set to feature ministries, schools and civil society under a theme of responsibility and accountability. Climate & Resilience: Pacific leaders and Indigenous advocates are meeting on Indigenous-led conservation and climate resilience, with Solomon Islands among participants.

Foreign Policy & Regional Leadership: PM Matthew Wale says Solomon Islands is pursuing a more balanced, respectful foreign policy while strengthening ties with Japan, and he heads to Fiji for the PIF Troika meeting as Forum Chair. Mining & Economic Governance: Wale and PNG PM James Marape agreed to deepen cooperation on mining reforms, with PNG offering legal and technical support; Wale also outlined plans to improve alluvial gold governance, including a dedicated gold export unit and a longer-term refinery. Public Service & Health Funding: Japan signed two Solomon Islands grant agreements worth 294 million yen for public service scholarships and modern malaria diagnosis equipment, as Acting FM Peter Kenilorea Jr warned malaria cases are rising. Disaster Readiness Capacity: SPC and WFP trained disaster management logistics officers from Solomon Islands and other Pacific states in warehouse operations and first aid to speed relief delivery. Provincial Development: Central Province marked its 45th Second Appointed Day, with the national government moving to clear PCDF arrears and announcing funding for Central Province projects. Maritime Digital Services: Solomon Ports launched a Shipping Schedule Hub App for real-time domestic vessel movement updates. Security Context in the Region: While not a Solomons deal, Australia and Vanuatu signed the Nakamal Agreement barring foreign military bases and requiring consultation on third-party critical infrastructure involvement, underscoring the wider Pacific security shift. Governance Planning: The Police Ministry launched its Corporate Plan 2025–2028 to strengthen security, border and maritime safety, and service delivery.

Melanesian regional diplomacy: Prime Minister Matthew Wale says the Melanesian Spearhead Group should be “effective and not a pushover,” calling for stronger processes after talks with PNG PM James Marape in Port Moresby. Mining governance: Wale and Marape backed closer cooperation to reform Solomon Islands’ mining sector, with PNG offering legal and technical support and experience to help Honiara improve transparency and national benefits. PNG–SI cooperation framework: PNG and Solomon Islands signed a 2026–2030 development and economic cooperation agreement covering trade, investment, policing and maritime cooperation. Public service capacity & health: Solomon Islands and Japan signed two grant agreements worth 294 million Japanese Yen for public service scholarships and modern malaria diagnosis equipment. Security planning: The Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services launched its Corporate Plan 2025–2028, outlining priorities to strengthen security and service delivery. Maritime services: Solomon Ports launched a Shipping Schedule Hub App for real-time domestic vessel schedules and travel updates. Health workforce: 184 probation nurses were registered after completing the Supervised Practice Program. Provincial ties with China: Malaita’s sister-province partnership with China’s Jiangsu is delivering scholarships and livelihood support, including women’s economic empowerment. Regional security spillover: Australia and Vanuatu signed the Nakamal Agreement barring foreign military bases and militarisation of critical infrastructure, while keeping room for third-party engagement via consultation.

Australia–Vanuatu Security Deal: Australia and Vanuatu have finally signed the long-delayed Nakamal Agreement in Canberra, locking in a watered-down $500m security and policing partnership while stating Vanuatu will not allow foreign military bases and will keep critical infrastructure free from militarisation, foreign interference, and unauthorised access. Mining Governance (PNG–SI): Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea agreed to deepen cooperation on mining sector reforms, with PNG offering legal and technical support as Honiara pushes for more transparency and national benefit in resource development. PNG–SI Framework Agreement: The two Melanesian neighbours also signed a 2026–2030 framework covering trade, investment, infrastructure, security, fisheries, mining, policing and regional cooperation. Public Service & Health Support (Japan): Solomon Islands signed two Japan grant agreements worth 294m yen for public service scholarships and modern malaria diagnosis equipment. Maritime Digital Services: Solomon Ports launched a Shipping Schedule Hub App to share real-time domestic vessel schedules and travel updates. Police Ministry Planning: The Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services launched its Corporate Plan 2025–2028 to guide security and service delivery improvements. Health Workforce: 184 probation nurses were registered after completing supervised practice, boosting Solomon Islands’ nursing capacity. Regional Security Cooperation: PNG’s PM said stronger security and policing cooperation with Solomon Islands is key to tackling illegal fishing, drug trafficking and transnational crime.

Regional Security & Defence: Fiji’s RFMF is sending 50 troops to the Solomon Islands to help restore security and stability, after Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama offered support to Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale. Financial Resilience: Pacific leaders met in Majuro to push ahead the Pacific Strengthening Correspondent Banking Relationships project, aiming to keep international payments and trade links open while strengthening anti-money laundering and resilience. Pacific Diplomacy & China Competition: Australia and Vanuatu are set to sign a revised Nakamal Agreement in Canberra, with key clauses softened after sovereignty concerns—while Australia’s Pat Conroy says strategic competition with China is permanent and urges Pacific-led security. Solomon Islands–PNG Cooperation: Wale’s first official visit to PNG is driving a new 2026–2030 Framework Agreement on Development and Economic Cooperation, covering trade, infrastructure, security and regional engagement. Infrastructure & Local Delivery: Road works in Central Honiara are progressing, including the Hot Bread Roundabout upgrades under the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project. Climate Risk: The Green Climate Fund warns Solomon Islands must prepare for a looming 2026–2027 “super El Niño,” with impacts expected to intensify later in 2026. Public Finance & Institutions: CBSI launched a limited-edition $50 commemorative banknote for its 50th Golden Jubilee, while Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo called for a major fiscal and economic policy reset.

PNG Explosive Clearance: NZDF joined an ADF-led multinational operation in Papua New Guinea to destroy about 2,200 WWII-era explosive remnants, reducing long-running risks to communities in East New Britain. PM Wale–PNG Deal: Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale met James Marape in Port Moresby and signed a 2026–2030 Framework Agreement covering trade, investment, infrastructure, security, and regional cooperation. Melanesian Ocean Corridor: Wale and Marape also signed the MOCOR 2026–2030 pact to protect interconnected ocean ecosystems and conserve 30% of sovereign waters by 2030. Regional Security Push: Wale’s idea of a Pacific-wide security arrangement to counter China’s growing presence is being discussed with Australia, with Canberra saying it will act on Pacific priorities. Maritime Investment: The Ministry of Infrastructure Development flagged maritime investment and workforce development as key priorities, pointing to SIMA findings on domestic shipping needs. Honiara Roads: Central Honiara road works continue, including progress on the Hot Bread Roundabout to improve traffic flow and safety. Opposition Warns on Clause 22(j): Opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare accused PM Wale of using a senior public service termination clause for political removals, calling for PSC oversight. El Niño Warning: Solomon Islands faces a potential 2026–2027 “super El Niño,” with officials urging proactive political and planning action to protect water, health, and services.

Pacific Security & China Influence: Australia says strategic competition with China in the Pacific is permanent, while backing a Pacific-led approach to security gaps—after Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale floated a Pacific-wide security pact with Anthony Albanese. Melanesian Cooperation: Wale’s first official visit to Papua New Guinea produced a 2026–2030 Framework Agreement on Development and Economic Cooperation, covering trade, investment, infrastructure, security, and regional engagement. Regional Diplomacy: Wale also met PNG’s Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae for a courtesy call and exchanged cultural gifts, underscoring people-to-people ties. Domestic Governance & Finance: Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo called for a major fiscal and economic policy reset, citing poverty and inequality concerns from the latest household survey work. Public Service Tensions: Opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare accused PM Wale of using clause 22(j) to remove senior public servants on political grounds, bypassing the Public Service Commission. Infrastructure Updates: Road works in Central Honiara are progressing, including the Hot Bread Roundabout, aimed at improving traffic flow and safety. Climate Risk: A Green Climate Fund official warned Solomon Islands to prepare for a looming 2026–2027 “super El Niño,” with impacts expected to intensify later in 2026.

Solomon Islands–PNG Cooperation: Prime Minister Matthew Wale’s first official visit to Papua New Guinea produced a new five-year Framework Agreement on Development and Economic Cooperation (2026–2030), covering trade, investment, infrastructure, security, and regional engagement, with both leaders also discussing mining reforms and a tailored free-trade concept. Regional Security Push: Wale also raised the idea of a Pacific-wide security pact with Australia and PNG, while Australia’s Pat Conroy said strategic competition with China is permanent and China is seeking a lasting security footprint. Maritime & Infrastructure: The Ministry of Infrastructure Development set out priorities to strengthen Solomon Islands’ maritime sector, and Central Honiara road works (including Hot Bread Roundabout) are progressing. Governance & Oversight: The Auditor General launched Community Participatory Audits for Constituency Development Funds, with World Bank backing, aiming to roll out to all 50 constituencies. Public Service Tensions: Opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare accused PM Wale of abusing clause 22(j) to remove senior public servants for political reasons. Climate Risk: A Green Climate Fund official warned Solomon Islands must prepare for a looming 2026–2027 “super El Niño,” with El Niño impacts already expected to vary by rainfall and water availability. Enforcement: A joint task force stepped up enforcement of the single-use plastic ban in Honiara, with arrests expected.

Bilateral Diplomacy: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale’s first official visit to Papua New Guinea delivered a Framework Agreement on Development and Economic Cooperation (2026–2030), with talks also covering trade, mining, security, people-to-people links, and regional affairs. Regional Security Debate: Wale also floated the idea of a Pacific-wide security pact with Australia, as Australian officials warn China is seeking a permanent security presence and say security should be handled by Pacific countries first. Governance & Oversight: The Auditor General’s Office is set to roll out Community Participatory Audits to all 50 constituencies, with World Bank support, aiming to strengthen transparency over Constituency Development Funds. Public Service Tensions: Opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare alleges PM Wale is abusing clause 22(j) to remove senior public servants for political reasons, raising constitutional concerns about the Public Service Commission’s role. Infrastructure & Cities: Central Honiara road works are progressing, including the Hot Bread Roundabout upgrade, while SIPA says it is funding port upgrades through savings and reinvestment. Climate & Water: Solomon Islands is preparing for a looming 2026–2027 “super El Niño,” with meteorology warning of possible water shortages and uneven impacts across provinces. Maritime & Safety: MID reaffirmed priorities for maritime investment, workforce development, and safety, while NZDF and other partners continue operations to remove WWII-era explosives in the region. Migration Pathways: Australia’s Pacific Engagement Visa ballot opens July 1–29, doubling places for Solomon Islanders from 150 to 300 from 2027. Environment Enforcement: A joint task force is stepping up enforcement of the single-use plastic ban, with arrests expected.

New PM–PNG reset: Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale arrived in Port Moresby for talks with James Marape, including a Framework Agreement on development and economic cooperation, plus cultural exchanges at Government House. Ocean conservation deal: Wale and Marape also signed the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves (MOCOR) 2026–2030, committing to protect interconnected ocean ecosystems and conserve 30% of sovereign waters by 2030. Security diplomacy: Wale raised the idea of a Pacific-wide security pact with Australia’s Anthony Albanese; Australia’s Pat Conroy said any move would follow Pacific priorities, while also warning China is seeking a permanent security presence. China influence watch: A report says China is expanding its Pacific footprint through both official engagement and media outreach, including renewed Solomon Islands attention after Wale’s election. Governance and accountability: The Auditor General’s Office is rolling out Community Participatory Audits to all 50 constituencies, backed by the World Bank as a way to strengthen transparency over Constituency Development Funds. Public service controversy: Opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare accused PM Wale of abusing clause 22(j) to remove senior public servants for political reasons. Climate pressure: A Green Climate Fund official warned Solomon Islands must prepare for a looming 2026–2027 “super El Niño,” while the Met Service says impacts will vary by rainfall and could worsen water shortages. Visa pathway: Australia will open Pacific Engagement Visa applications from July 1–29, doubling places for Solomon Islanders from 150 to 300 from 2027. Drug trafficking link: Australian police say a Belize-flagged vessel seized in the Solomon Islands was tied to the country’s record 2.7-tonne cocaine haul, highlighting regional organized crime risks.

Pacific Security: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale says Australia is open to a Pacific-wide security deal to counter growing Chinese influence, after he raised the idea with Anthony Albanese; the proposal would build on regional security gaps and follows Solomon Islands’ 2022 security pact with Beijing. Central Banking & Money: The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) has launched a limited-edition $50 commemorative banknote for its 50th Golden Jubilee, with officials highlighting modernization and national unity. Climate & Water: Meteorological Director Alick Haruhiru warns El Niño impacts will vary by rainfall, with prolonged dry spells risking water shortages that can hit health and education. Opposition & Public Service: Opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare accuses PM Wale of abusing clause 22(j) to remove senior public servants for political reasons, bypassing the Public Service Commission. Audit & CDF Oversight: The Auditor General’s Office, backed by the World Bank, is rolling out Community Participatory Audits to all 50 constituencies to strengthen transparency over Constituency Development Funds. Visa Pathways: Australia will double Pacific Engagement Visas for Solomon Islanders from 150 to 300 from 2027, with the next ballot opening July 1–29. Environment Enforcement: A joint task force says banned single-use plastic sellers in Honiara could face arrest as enforcement ramps up. Infrastructure Finance: Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) says it is funding major works through savings and reinvestment, including the new Kulabule Jetty and World Bank-supported berth upgrades. Sports & Facilities: The National Tennis Centre has been recognised by the ITF as a White Level Facility, unlocking more support for athletes and coaches.

Pacific Security: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale says Australia is open to a Pacific-wide security pact as he pushes a “reset” after the Solomons’ 2022 security deal with China. Climate & Water: Met Services director Alick Haruhiru warns El Niño impacts will vary by rainfall, with longer dry spells risking water shortages and knock-on effects for health and schooling. Regional Food Shock: Papua New Guinea faces severe Highlands food insecurity as frost and drought damage gardens and livestock. Governance & Funds: Auditor General David Dennis, backed by the World Bank, is rolling out Community Participatory Audits to all 50 constituencies to strengthen oversight of Constituency Development Funds. Migration Pathway: Australia’s Pacific Engagement Visa ballot opens July 1–29, doubling places for Solomon Islanders from 150 to 300 from 2027. Environment Enforcement: Honiara’s multi-agency taskforce steps up enforcement of the single-use plastic ban, with arrests expected. Economy & Sovereign Wealth: Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo calls for saving and investing resource income via a domestic capital market and a sovereign wealth fund. Drug Crime Link: A Belize-flagged vessel MV Wealth was seized in the Solomons as part of an investigation tied to Australia’s record 2.7 tonnes cocaine haul.