AGP Executive Report

Earthquake Update: A 5.1-magnitude quake struck the Solomon Islands at 18:52 GMT on Friday, with a depth of 10 km, according to GFZ. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale met Australia’s Anthony Albanese in Canberra, saying he will review the 2022 China security pact while both leaders agreed to strengthen ties and pursue a new comprehensive strategic treaty focused on security and development. EU Fisheries Rules: Pacific fisheries officials in Suva trained on new EU freezer-vessel food-safety requirements that could affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific freezer vessels, after EU auditors found inconsistent freezing temperatures. Women Leaders Meeting: Solomon Islands Minister John Maneniaru urged Pacific leaders to move from policy to action at the PIF Women Leaders Meeting, warning fuel costs, conflict impacts and climate pressures are hitting women and vulnerable communities hardest. Disaster Recovery (Cyclone Maila): MEHRD is prioritising damaged schools in Choiseul and Western Province after Tropical Cyclone Maila, with safety assessments and support for repairs and temporary learning spaces. Community & Environment: Honiara’s coastline clean-up campaign kicked off for World Environment Day, linking coastal litter to poor inland waste management and mobilising schools and community groups. Energy & Health: Australia backed the installation of 10 church noticeboards in Honiara to improve local information sharing, while UNICEF and MASI wrapped up a WASH media workshop with field visits to communities improving water and sanitation.

Solomon Islands–Australia reset: Prime Minister Matthew Wale met Australia’s Anthony Albanese in Canberra, agreeing to strengthen ties and pursue a comprehensive strategic treaty, while Wale said his government will review the 2022 China security pact. EU fisheries rules: Pacific fisheries officials in Suva trained on new EU freezer-vessel requirements that could affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific-flagged vessels, with tuna frozen above -18°C facing tighter limits. Cyclone Maila recovery: MEHRD says it will prioritize repairing and reopening schools damaged by Tropical Cyclone Maila in Choiseul and Western Province, using repurposed development funding. Women leaders push action: At the Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Meeting in Suva, Solomon Islands’ John Maneniaru warned rising fuel costs and conflict impacts are hitting women, youth and vulnerable communities hardest, urging practical implementation. WASH and sanitation: UNICEF and MASI wrapped a WASH media workshop, highlighting how open defecation and poor waste management are harming health, school attendance and tourism. Honiara clean-up: A week-long coastal clean-up campaign launched at Rove Children’s Park, blaming inland waste habits for pollution washing onto the capital’s shores. Energy and jobs: GREAT/MEHRD recovery work continues after Cyclone Maila, while Western Province Premier Billy Veo urged faster upgrades to the Nusatupe airport terminal in Gizo. Sports & youth: SIFF shortlisted 40+ players after U-19 trials, and youth selection continues for Team Lauru ahead of the Solomon Games.

Australia–Solomon Reset: New PM Matthew Wale met Anthony Albanese in Canberra, agreeing to start talks on a comprehensive strategic treaty and to review the secretive 2022 China security pact, citing a non-disclosure clause and saying he only received the document days before his trip. China Security Review: Wale said he is examining the deal and will review other security agreements too, while Beijing says it’s ready to expand cooperation with the new government. EU Fisheries Support: A high-level EU delegation met Solomon Islands Fisheries Minister Franklyn Derek Wasi to discuss potential EU support for the Bina Harbour tuna processing plant in Malaita. EU Food Safety Rules: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained in Suva on new EU freezer-vessel requirements that could affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific-flagged vessels. Trade Agenda Push: Pacific trade officials met at the Forum Secretariat to shape the region’s trade priorities, including labour mobility and trade policy coordination. Women Leaders Call for Action: Pacific women leaders urged governments to move from policy to practical action as fuel costs and conflict impacts raise pressure on women and vulnerable communities. Cyclone Maila Recovery: MEHRD says it will prioritize damaged schools in Choiseul and Western Province after Cyclone Maila, with safety checks and possible temporary learning spaces. Fuel Prices Bite: A Pacific fuels brief reports diesel caps and rising costs continue, with Solomon Islands keeping its cap mostly unchanged while other countries move to higher alerts or price caps. WASH and Tourism: UNICEF warns poor sanitation and open defecation are harming health, education, and even tourism growth. Local Development: Western Province Premier Billy Veo urges faster action to upgrade the Nusatupe airport terminal in Gizo.

Australia–Solomons Reset: New PM Matthew Wale met Anthony Albanese in Canberra and says his government will review the 2022 secret security pact with China, after getting access to the full text only days before the trip. Both leaders agreed to start talks on a new comprehensive strategic treaty covering security, economic cooperation and development, with a stronger focus on Pacific-led approaches through the Pacific Islands Forum. China Pact Review: Wale said the China deal includes a non-disclosure clause and that he removed people from key positions before reviewing it, while Beijing said it is ready to expand “pragmatic cooperation.” Regional Security Cooperation: Australia and Solomon Islands also pledged closer coordination on transnational crime and climate action, reinforcing support for Pacific peace and security led by Pacific leaders. WASH and Tourism Pressure: UNICEF warned that open defecation and poor sanitation are harming health and education, and could also slow tourism growth by worsening waste and visitor experience. Health Support in Gizo: Australian GP anaesthetists completed an outreach mission to strengthen anaesthesia training and peri-operative care at Gizo Hospital. Sports: Malaita Kingz signed former Rewa duo Norman Ngafu and Calvin Ohasio ahead of the 2026 Telekom S-League, while SICF announced a Sir Peter Kenilorea chess championship for Independence celebrations on 7 July.

Australia–Solomon Islands Reset: New PM Matthew Wale met Anthony Albanese in Canberra and says his government will start talks on a comprehensive strategic treaty, while also “reviewing” the secretive 2022 security pact with China after only getting access to the text days before his trip. China Security Deal Scrutiny: Wale said the agreement includes a non-disclosure clause and he had to remove people from key positions to obtain it, as Australia and the US worry it could open the door to Chinese military presence in the Pacific. Health Support in Gizo: Australian GP anaesthetists completed an outreach mission to strengthen anaesthesia capabilities and train local staff at Gizo Hospital. Climate Resilience Funding: GEF’s LDCF/SCCF approved new projects including support for Solomon Islands to cut flood and coastal risks, improve disaster preparedness, and boost food and water security. Local Development & Energy: Heritage Park Hotel commissioned a large solar system to supply most of its power, and Buala vendors received a new market building funded through Australia’s provincial markets program.

Australia–Solomon Islands Reset: New PM Matthew Wale met Anthony Albanese in Canberra and agreed to start negotiations on a comprehensive strategic treaty, aiming to “elevate” ties after years of strain. China Security Review: Wale also said his government will review the secretive 2022 security pact with Beijing, noting it includes a non-disclosure clause and that he only saw the full text days before his trip. Police & Aid Commitments: The leaders backed deeper police cooperation and discussed support for Solomon Islands’ response to Cyclone Maila and energy shocks, alongside expanded training and scholarships. Weather Ready Pacific: In Honiara, the government reaffirmed full support for the regional Weather Ready Pacific programme, citing a new radar under construction and early-warning upgrades. Local Development: Australia-funded Buala’s new market building has been handed over, with climate-resilient features and improved facilities for vendors. Climate Finance: GEF approved new LDCF/SCCF projects including support for Solomon Islands to strengthen resilience, disaster preparedness, and food and water security.

Australia–Solomons reset: New Prime Minister Matthew Wale says Solomon Islands will review the secretive 2022 China security pact and negotiate a comprehensive strategic treaty with Australia, as Anthony Albanese pledges to “elevate” ties and deepen police cooperation in Canberra. Security & transparency: Wale says the deal had a non-disclosure clause and he only saw the full text days before his trip, after removing people from key positions to access it. Development package: The leaders also backed new support for Solomon Islands priorities, including SBD$200 million to respond to Tropical Cyclone Maila and energy shocks, more training and vocational scholarships, and increased Pacific Engagement visas. Local services & resilience: In Isabel Province, the new Buala Market Building was handed over to vendors, funded by Australia, with climate-resilient features like solar lighting, water storage, and improved toilets/showers. Youth & child protection: New Zealand-backed YSED+CP and SIEVAP programmes were launched to help stop violence, including child marriage and forced marriage, with faith and community leaders targeted. Energy upgrade: Heritage Park Hotel commissioned a large solar system to supply up to 95% of its electricity needs, cutting diesel and grid reliance. Road safety law review: A workshop reviewed the Road Transport Act (Cap. 131) to tighten safety, enforcement and regulation in Honiara as vehicle use grows.

Solomon Islands–Australia Reset: Prime Minister Matthew Wale has arrived in Australia for his first official overseas trip, with a Leaders’ Meeting with Anthony Albanese set for Wednesday and talks expected to cover regional security, development, economic growth, climate resilience and cooperation. China Tensions, But With Tone: Australia is also expected to push a new “comprehensive treaty” and revive a stalled policing deal aimed at curbing China’s influence in Honiara. Climate Insurance Breakthrough: Central Bank Governor Dr Luke Forau says the first TrigaCash parametric microinsurance payouts have reached rural policyholders quickly after heavy rainfall, proving the system works end-to-end. Community Resilience Training: Tulagi Ward 4 residents are using Community-Led Adaptation Pathway training to plan for food security, healthier reefs and steadier income as climate and economic pressures rise. Local Governance Push: Malaita Premier Elijah Asilaua urged NGOs to consult and coordinate with the provincial government to avoid duplication, after launching youth, entrepreneurship and child protection programmes. Road Works in Honiara: Sealing works at Yacht Club Junction on Mendana Avenue are completed, with remaining sections still to be upgraded and traffic disruptions expected. Police Probe Gold Ridge Clash: RSIPF is investigating a violent confrontation between landowners and illegal miners near Gold Ridge after an alleged theft triggered injuries.

Climate Insurance Rollout: Solomon Islands’ first TrigaCash parametric microinsurance payouts have reached rural policyholders fast after heavy rainfall, with Central Bank Governor Dr Luke Forau calling it proof the system works. Local Health & Child Protection: Malaita Premier Elijah Asilaua urged NGOs to coordinate closely with the provincial government as new youth, entrepreneurship and child-protection programs get underway. Sports & Youth: SINU’s inter-faculty soccer competition is set to kick off this weekend, with organisers targeting about 16 teams. Infrastructure in Honiara: Yacht Club Junction road sealing on Mendana Avenue is completed and reopened, with more sealing work ahead that may cause congestion. Governance & Education Debate: SINU Vice Chancellor Dr Transform Aqorau questioned heavy reliance on foreign consultants in curriculum reviews, warning Solomon Islands’ education “cannot be outsourced.” Security & Regional Politics: PNG PM James Marape reiterated no foreign military bases as Australia expands its defence presence at Lombrum. Economy & Jobs Push: Prime Minister Matthew Wale says GREAT will fast-track local processing of resources to create jobs and boost export value. Police Probe: RSIPF is investigating a violent Gold Ridge clash after an alleged theft sparked a confrontation between landowners and illegal miners.

Solomon Islands-Australia Push: Prime Minister Matthew Wale has arrived in Australia for his first overseas trip, with talks in Canberra expected to deepen cooperation on security, climate resilience and development, and potentially kick off a new “comprehensive treaty” and revive a policing deal. Roadworks Disruption: Yacht Club Junction sealing on Mendana Avenue is now open, but more sealing is coming at key intersections, with traffic delays expected and drivers urged to follow RSIPF and traffic controllers. Climate Cash Relief: Rural Solomon Islanders have started receiving payouts under TrigaCash, the country’s first parametric microinsurance, with about 35 policyholders paid SBD$8,800 after heavy rainfall triggers. Education Sovereignty Debate: SINU Vice Chancellor Dr Transform Aqorau says Solomon Islands’ curriculum future “cannot be outsourced,” warning against over-reliance on foreign consultants shaping national education. Community Adaptation Planning: Tulagi Ward 4 residents trained on climate-resilient planning, aiming for better food security, healthier reefs and steadier income. Aviation Safety Leadership: Papua New Guinea’s Benedict Oraka has been elected chair of the Pacific Aviation Safety Office council for the next 12 months. COP31 Prep: Pacific officials, co-chaired with Solomon Islands’ Esther O’Brien, stepped up COP31 planning and set priorities for pre-COP meetings in Fiji and Tuvalu. Jobs and Youth Pressure: A World Bank report flags the need for more jobs for Solomon Islands’ growing youth, pointing to growth drivers like mining, fisheries and agriculture. Maternal Care Training: Australia-backed specialist training at the National Referral Hospital is strengthening labour monitoring and newborn safety across Guadalcanal and the Naha Birthing Centre.

Solomon Islands–Australia diplomacy: Prime Minister Matthew Wale has arrived in Australia for his first overseas trip, with talks in Canberra expected to deepen cooperation on regional security, economic development, climate resilience and more, including negotiations on a new “comprehensive treaty” and a revived policing deal aimed at countering China’s influence. Climate resilience finance: Rural Solomon Islanders have started receiving payouts under TrigaCash, the country’s first parametric microinsurance product, with about 35 policyholders paid SBD$8,800 after heavy rainfall triggers were met. Jobs and local value-add: Prime Minister Wale says the GREAT Government will push resource processing at home to create jobs and raise export value, with Western Province and Noro flagged as key targets. Ocean governance: At the Melanesian Ocean Summit, Solomon Islands stressed ocean protection must be built on national authority, Indigenous stewardship and implementation-ready frameworks. Health upgrades: Malaita’s provincial health summit in Auki focused on strengthening primary health care, while at the National Referral Hospital a specialist maternal health training program supported safer care for mothers and newborns. Sport and youth leadership: SINIS marked the departure of an Australian strength and conditioning mentor, and SIAC representatives returned from an Oceania athletes forum with new ideas on athlete welfare and governance. Aviation and roads progress: World Bank teams visited Henderson sites under SIRAP2, praising work including a modern fire service station to boost aviation safety.

Regional Leadership & Ocean Conservation: Rapa Nui hosted Te Piri mā’ohi o Te Moana Nui a Hiva, bringing together voyaging leaders, scientists and government reps from across the Pacific—including Solomon Islands—to share wayfinding knowledge and push marine conservation, especially on the high seas. Education Milestone: More than 200 students (including 161 women) graduated from the University of the South Pacific in Samoa, with the ceremony themed around transformation and Pacific unity. Climate Risk Support for Farmers: Solomon Islands is rolling out TrigaCash, a microinsurance scheme using weather triggers for automatic payouts after climate shocks, aiming to speed up recovery for farmers and fishers. Governance & Appointments: Gabriel Suri was sworn in as Solomon Islands Attorney General, as the government moves ahead with reforms on mining, forestry, anti-corruption and legal review. Health & Development Partnerships: Japan reaffirmed support for Solomon Islands health services, highlighting the Kilu’ufi Hospital improvement project in Malaita. WASH in Schools: New Zealand and UNICEF handed over upgraded WASH facilities at Vavalu Primary School, improving water, sanitation and menstrual hygiene to boost attendance. Youth & Sports Legacy: MSG and SIFF signed an 18-month school football legacy programme using sport to support education, healthy living, gender equality and youth empowerment. Tourism Update: New Culture & Tourism Minister James Bonuga met tourism officials, noting visitor numbers rose to 28,548 last year and aiming for stronger industry collaboration. Disaster Response Pressure: Opposition called for practical, equal attention in recovery efforts after Cyclone Maila hit Western and Choiseul, questioning reassurance visits beyond public messaging.

Quad Diplomacy: Foreign ministers from the U.S., India, Japan and Australia met in New Delhi and backed a joint port-infrastructure push in Fiji, alongside maritime surveillance, energy security and tech cooperation—moves analysts say could reshape Pacific supply routes and raise new U.S.-China tensions. Legal Leadership: Gabriel Suri was sworn in as Solomon Islands Attorney General, tasked as the government’s chief legal adviser as the Wale administration moves ahead with reforms including mining, forestry and anti-corruption. Health Partnerships: Japan reaffirmed support for Solomon Islands’ health sector, highlighting the Kilu’ufi Hospital improvement and expansion in Malaita, while U.S. Charge d’Affaires Daniel O’Hara met Foreign Minister Rick Houenipwela to discuss development, security and the MCC pathway. Disaster Response Scrutiny: The Opposition called for national attention and practical disaster recovery leadership after Cyclone Maila impacts in Western and Choiseul, questioning what tangible outcomes followed the Prime Minister’s reassurance visit. WASH in Schools: New Zealand and UNICEF handed over upgraded WASH facilities at Vavalu Primary School in Guadalcanal, improving safe water, sanitation and handwashing—especially boosting girls’ attendance. Youth & Sport: MSG and SIFF signed an 18-month school football legacy programme for ages 10–15, and two Solomon Islands women were selected for a regional basketball leadership initiative. Road & Travel: Major works on Honiara’s Mendana Avenue continue until end of July, with lane closures and traffic delays expected through the CBD.

Health & Training Links: Vanuatu’s health delegation discussed non-communicable diseases, nursing shortages and cancer care after a trip to Solomon Islands and PNG, with a focus on building future oncology and medical training pathways. Climate Microinsurance: Solomon Islands farmers and fishers are set to get TrigaCash, an automated microinsurance safety net that triggers instant payouts after verified climate shocks, with rollout planned nationwide after a successful pilot. WASH for Schools: Vavalu Primary School in Guadalcanal has received new water, sanitation and hygiene facilities on World Menstrual Hygiene Day, improving clean water access and reducing absenteeism for girls. Japan Health Support: Japan reaffirmed long-running health cooperation with Solomon Islands, highlighting progress on the Kilu’ufi Hospital improvement and expansion project in Malaita. Sports for Development: SIFF and MSG signed an 18-month school football legacy programme for youth aged 10–15, while two Solomon Islands women were selected for a regional basketball leadership initiative. Tourism Leadership: New Culture & Tourism Minister James Bonuga met Tourism Solomons staff and reviewed visitor numbers, with arrivals up over 13% last year. Local Governance & Roads: Drivers are warned of Mendana Avenue CBD traffic delays until July due to ongoing roadworks.

PNG–China security debate: Papua New Guinea PM James Marape says Lombrum is a sovereign PNG defence site and rejects “foreign bases,” even as Australia expands its presence at the naval port. Regional infrastructure push: The Quad (India, US, Australia, Japan) plans to jointly develop Fiji port infrastructure, raising fresh questions about US–China rivalry in the Pacific. Solomon Islands diplomacy: Foreign Affairs Minister Rick Houenipwela met Japan’s Ambassador Keiichi Hagiuchi, highlighting Japan’s support including the Kilu’ufi Hospital expansion in Malaita (about SBD120m). Water and health at school: Vavalu Primary in Guadalcanal received new WASH facilities via New Zealand and UNICEF, with gender-friendly ablution blocks and a spring catchment water system. Roadworks in Honiara: Major works on Mendana Avenue will cause CBD traffic delays and lane narrowing until end of July. Church and leadership: East Malaita MP Manasseh Maelanga was ordained an Anglican priest on Pentecost Sunday. Sports and culture: The Aelan Riddim festival returns to Honiara this weekend with artists from PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu. Mining update: Sankamap reports early gold-copper signs at its Kuma project, with drilling ongoing.

WASH in Schools: Vavalu Primary in Guadalcanal has received new water, sanitation and hygiene facilities, including a sustainable spring supply, gender-friendly ablution blocks and handwashing stations, as part of the New Zealand–UNICEF WASH in Schools programme. Road Disruption: Honiara drivers and pedestrians face lane narrowing and congestion on Mendana Avenue from the Hot Bread roundabout to the HCC roundabout, with works continuing until July. New PM’s First Moves: Newly elected Prime Minister Matthew Wale will visit Australia for talks with Anthony Albanese on 3 June, with economic development and security high on the agenda. Cyclone Recovery Visit: Wale is also set to travel to Western and Choiseul communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila, with costs funded by Australia. Local Governance & Services: Western Province Premier Billy Veo says the push for statehood is about improving service delivery, after a courtesy visit by PM Wale in Gizo. Sports for Youth: The NSC’s “Ping for Fun” table tennis programme has wrapped up in Honiara, while Solomon Islands athletes and officials continue regional leadership exposure. WWII Remembrance: Jackson native Lt. Thomas Arthur Ruth has been laid to rest after decades missing in action, with ties to the Solomon Islands campaign.