SOLOMON ISLANDS GOVERNMENT, PACIFIC ISLANDS FORUM SECRETARIAT & REGIONAL ASSISTANCE MISSION TO SOLOMON ISLANDS (RAMSI)
 

JOINT PRESS RELEASE
9 April 2010

The Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Hon. Dr Derek Sikua MP, has praised the work of the Forum Ministerial Standing Committee (FMSC) on the Regional Assistance to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) saying it “has yielded positive results” since its establishment in 2008.

When opening the 4th meeting of the FMSC in Honiara today, Prime Minister Sikua said: “Since the establishment of this consultative mechanism in 2008, it has yielded positive results including in strengthening the relationship between Solomon Islands and RAMSI.”

Although much has already been achieved under the Partnership Framework, the meeting noted that challenges remained which both the Solomon Islands Government and RAMSI would work together to address.

During the meeting, the Solomon Islands Government and RAMSI reiterated their commitment to continued close cooperation and coordination under the Partnership Framework and to work together to address challenges of implementation and ensure benefits are provided to the people of Solomon Islands.

The FMSC agreed that RAMSI was a shining example of regionalism, recognised not just in the Pacific but internationally, as an outstanding regional response to restoring law and order and addressing the post conflict challenges facing a particular country. A key feature of RAMSI is the way in which it operates on the basis of full regional ownership and the active participation of all members of the Pacific Islands Forum.

The meeting was chaired by the Hon. Bob McMullan MP, Secretary for International Development Assistance of Australia, representing the Forum Chair. Other members of the FMSC were the Hon. William Haomae, Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Solomon Islands; the Hon. Maihetoe Hekau, Acting Minister for Police of Niue; and H.E. Mr Peter Eafeare, Special Representative for Papua New Guinea.

ENDS