New PM Australia talks: Newly elected Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale will travel to Canberra to meet Anthony Albanese on 3 June, with economic development and security high on the agenda after Wale’s earlier criticism of a 2022 China deal. Cyclone Maila recovery: Wale is set to lead a reassurance visit to Western and Choiseul communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila, with the trip funded by Australia and coordinated through the National Disaster Council. U.S.-Solomons investment deal: The U.S. and Solomon Islands signed an Investment Incentive Agreement in Honiara on 23 May, paving the way for U.S. DFC-backed private investment in areas like infrastructure, ICT connectivity and energy. Housing for diplomats: The SINPF’s SBD$160m housing project is reported to be aimed at accommodating Australian diplomats. Maritime security push: RSIPF and the Karaena community are partnering to combat crime through localized community policing by-laws. Finance sector slowdown: A new analysis says Solomon Islands’ financial intermediation and insurance services were the only industries to record negative real GDP growth between 2023 and 2024. Regional spotlight on cables: A wider Pacific-focused report highlights how undersea cables are becoming a key battleground for geopolitical interference, including risks for the Solomon Islands region.