Joint statement on Solomon Islands
The Hon Soroi Eoe, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Papua New Guinea
Australia and Papua New Guinea are concerned about the violent turn that protests have taken in Honiara and jointly emphasise the importance of resolving tensions peacefully.
As part of our close working relationship, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) are deploying together in response to the request by the Solomon Islands Government.
We are aiming to help restore calm and allow normal constitutional processes to operate.
On 26 November, 50 RPNGC officers arrived in Honiara on a chartered flight from Port Moresby. They are accompanied by the RPNGC Commissioner David Manning, and AFP Commander of the Australia-PNG Policing Partnership, Jamie Strauss.
The AFP, Australian Defence Force and members of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade deployed from 25 November.
Australia and Papua New Guinea share a joint commitment to regional security and stability and an enduring economic and security partnership with our Pacific Family.