AUS: Govt looking forward to improving relations with Solomons
Updated
To Solomon Islands and just weeks after former prime minister Manasseh Sogavare was ousted, his successor is getting to work on rebuilding relationships.Derek Sikua says he'll apologise to his Papua New Guinea counterpart for the actions of his predecessor, and during a visit next week that will also include Australia and New Zealand. Australia's Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs Duncan Kerr says all sides are looking forward to an improvement in relations. Mr Kerr says he has a "very positive" meeting this week with the Solomons High Commissioner
Presenter: Aarti Betigeri, Australian Network
Speakers: Duncan Kerr, Australian Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs
KERR: The High Commissioner made it plain that the Solomon Islands wanted to turn the new page in the relationship, that the opportunity for a change of government both in the Solomons and Australia allowed any awkwardness that existed in the past be put behind us. The Solomon Islands supported the RAMSI regional support initiative that Australia's deeply involved in, and very appreciative of Australia's assistance on a bilateral basis. And further the Solomon Islands government is looking forward to the Prime Minister's visit to Australia. So it was a very positive opportunity to commence a fresh start.
BETIGERI: When is the Prime Minister coming to Australia, which days next week?
KERR: Well I think the official details of the visit will be released by our Prime Minister's office when and at the time that they regard that as appropriate, but I think it's an open matter of information that the Solomon Islands Prime Minister is intending to visit to Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand, and of course in that context I was very pleased to meet the High Commissioner and to hear that they are looking forward to a renewed and strong relationship with Australia with the awkwardnesses of the past put behind us both.
BETIGERI: You mentioned the awkwardness of the past, is that something that is continuing, how would you describe the current relationship with the Solomons?
KERR: Oh well there's no doubt that the relationship with the Solomons is being renewed with respect on both sides. The Solomon Islands government has made it plain in its public statements that it is supportive of the regional support iniative through RAMSI, that it is strongly appreciative of Australia's bilaterals and assistance. So what was conveyed was the opportunity now is for both countries to really move on and to make the relationship stronger, deeper and to work very effectively together. So I welcome that and I expressed Australia's very strong and warm welcome of those statements from the Solomons and I think there is no doubt that everyone on both sides will be looking forward to building on those new opportunities for better relations.
BETIGERI: You mentioned RAMSI, what is the future role of RAMSI going to be, will it remain in the country and what's the Solomons' view on this?
KERR: The Solomons has said that they support the continuation of the RAMSI initiative obviously as we work further towards the strengthening and deepening of the relationship that now is open to us there will be opportunities for further discussion. But the key initiative that was conveyed to me by the Solomon Islands High Commissioner was to inform me that the Solomon Islands government is looking forward to a new era of cooperation and respect between the two governments and that they welcome RAMSI, they see it as important in terms of their own national interests, and they also welcome of course the bilateral relationships that Australia has through AusAid and various other agencies in the Solomon Islands.
BETIGERI: Now do you think Derek Sikua as PM will be very beneficial to this relationship?
KERR: Well it's important not to personalise matters. Australia doesn't choose or select the governments of the Pacific Island countries with whom we have relationships, but there has been a change of government both in Australia and in the Solomon Islands. That gives both countries the opportunity to make a fresh start, and the High Commissioner made it very plain that that's what the Solomon Islands intends to do, that they are looking forward to improved strong relationships built on mutual respect, and I reciprocated.
