AGP Executive Report

Pacific Security Push: Australia’s AFP chief Krissy Barrett will use a UN policing summit to back a new INTERPOL-style Pacific policing pact, as Canberra warns China is expanding policing ties across the region, including with Solomon Islands. Regional Diplomacy: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has arrived in Fiji to sign the Vuvale Union agreement, then heads to Honiara to progress a new treaty with Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale and attend Independence Day. Maritime Borders & Ocean Management: Forum Chair Wale urged Pacific nations to quickly settle remaining maritime boundaries, warning unresolved lines threaten sovereignty and ocean governance. Water Worries: Solomon Water says El Niño could trigger prolonged dry conditions and possible water rationing in Honiara, Auki, Noro and Tulagi, urging customers to conserve now. Mining Integrity: Solomon Islands, UNDP and the UK reaffirmed efforts to strengthen transparency and coordination in the mining sector as the country moves toward rejoining EITI. Aviation Upgrade: Santa Cruz Airport Terminal construction has reached a major milestone, with major works substantially completed and testing/commissioning underway. Cyclone Recovery Support: MALD received 200 agricultural tools from New Zealand to help communities restore food gardens after Cyclone Maila. Sports: Hekari Women FC thrashed Henderson Eels to set up the OFC Women’s Champions League semifinals picture in Honiara.

Regional Security Talks: Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese heads to Fiji to sign the Vuvale Union, then flies to Solomon Islands to push negotiations on a new treaty with Honiara, as Pacific leaders back a stronger regional security framework. Local Governance & Safety: Solomon Islands prepares for its Parliament sitting with 30 PNG police personnel arriving in Honiara to support law and order. Water & Climate Risk: Solomon Water warns customers in Honiara, Auki, Noro and Tulagi to conserve water as El Niño could trigger temporary rationing if supplies keep dropping. Mining Integrity: Government, UNDP and the UK reaffirm efforts to strengthen transparency and coordination in the mining sector as Solomon Islands moves toward rejoining EITI. Infrastructure Upgrade: Santa Cruz Airport Terminal construction is nearing completion, with major works and passenger facilities largely finished. Sports: Hekari Women FC and Tafea advance in the OFC Women’s Champions League, while Ba’s hopes hinge on results as semifinals loom. Agriculture Support: MALD received 200 tools from New Zealand to help cyclone Maila recovery and restart food gardens. Football (School Rugby): White River Community High School wins the 2026 Credit Corp High School Boys 15s title, with sponsor support confirmed for 2027.

Pacific Politics: A Pacific Islands Forum ministerial mission report has raised serious questions about the credibility of New Caledonia’s recent self-determination referendum, even while noting the voting itself was well run. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese is set to visit Fiji and Solomon Islands to sign and progress security talks, as China pushes back over Australia’s Vanuatu pact and the wider “third-party” concern. Forum Leadership: PIF Troika leaders met in Suva, with Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale stressing regional institutions must evolve fast, and PIF SG Baron Waqa calling for unity as Wale takes the chair. Independence & Community: Solomon Islands marks its 48th Independence anniversary with a national thanksgiving church service and a media message themed around responsibility and accountability. Climate & Daily Life: Solomon Water warns Honiara and other areas may face temporary rationing if El Niño-linked dry conditions worsen, while SIMS issues a strong wind warning for Solomon Islands waters. Recovery & Infrastructure: MALD received 200 agricultural tools from NZ to support Cyclone Maila recovery, and Santa Cruz Airport Terminal works are largely complete. Governance & Economy: UNDP-backed efforts aim to strengthen mining sector integrity and curb corruption and revenue leakage as Solomon Islands moves toward EITI re-engagement.

Mining Integrity & EITI Prep: More than 30 Solomon Islands institutions met in Honiara to strengthen coordinated action against corruption, illicit financial flows and revenue leakage as the country moves to rejoin the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), with UNDP and UK-funded support. Aviation Upgrade: Santa Cruz Airport Terminal works are now substantially complete, with testing and commissioning about 80% done and final power connection pending, boosting Temotu’s passenger facilities and services. Pacific Security Diplomacy: Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese heads to Fiji and then Honiara (July 5–7) to advance the Vuvale Partnership and progress a new comprehensive treaty with Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale, as leaders push for a stronger Pacific voice on security. Regional Fisheries Talks: The 25th Forum Fisheries Committee ministerial meeting wrapped in Wellington, setting priorities for Pacific fisheries cooperation and leadership for 2026–2027. Weather & Cost of Living: A strong wind warning remains current for Solomon Islands waters, while Honiara fuel prices drop for diesel and kerosene from July 1, with petrol slightly up. Business & Media: Parliament consults on a code of ethics for the Parliamentary Press Corps, and private sector groups urge broad consultation before any minimum wage adjustment. Team Solomon Support: Corporate backing for Team Solomon’s 2026 Commonwealth Games fundraising dinner continues to grow, including SISCC as Gold Sponsor and Telekom providing in-kind support.

Australia–Solomon Security Talks: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese begins a three-day Pacific trip, set to sign a new security agreement in Fiji and then meet Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale in Honiara to progress a comprehensive treaty on security and economic cooperation. Regional Governance Push: In Suva, Pacific Islands Forum Troika leaders—led by Wale—reaffirmed plans to strengthen regional governance ahead of the 55th Leaders Meeting in Palau, with climate and unity high on the agenda. Pacific-wide Security Idea: Wale also urged a stronger Pacific-led regional security framework, arguing the region must stop “naively fumble” defence issues and take ownership of its future. Fisheries Diplomacy: The 25th Forum Fisheries Committee ministerial meeting wrapped up in Wellington, with ministers backing leadership for the next term and priorities for Pacific fisheries cooperation. Local Impacts: Fuel prices fall in Honiara from July rates, while a strong wind warning remains current for Solomon Islands waters. Infrastructure & Transport: Santa Cruz Airport terminal works are nearing completion, and Solomon Ports’ Harbours Department will manage a new digital shipping schedule booking platform. Business Support: Government signed a revised MoU to strengthen the SME Credit Guarantee Scheme and improve access to finance. Sports & Culture: Team Solomon fundraising gains corporate momentum; NATPAN 2026 is underway in Honiara.

Regional Security & Unity: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale, now also incoming Pacific Islands Forum chair, used his inauguration and Suva meetings to push a stronger Pacific-led regional security framework and a united Pacific voice as geopolitical tensions rise. PIF Leadership Push: PIF Secretary-General Baron Waqa backed Wale’s chairmanship, stressing unity, service and collective action ahead of the 55th Leaders Meeting in Palau. Transport Infrastructure Upgrade: The Ministry of Infrastructure Development is advancing a climate-resilient road asset management upgrade under SIRAP2, modernising the transport asset system with better climate data and planning tools. Business & Jobs: Private sector groups want any minimum wage change preceded by broad consultation and a careful economic impact assessment beyond Honiara. SME Finance Boost: Government signed a revised MoU to strengthen the SME Credit Guarantee Scheme, with more funding planned to help local businesses access loans. Community Development: East Honiara delivered materials for the Aekafo footpath project, improving access and safety for residents. Sports (OFC Women’s Champions League): Hekari Women’s late surge beat Ba 3-1, while Henderson Eels were eliminated after a 6-0 loss to Vanuatu’s Tafea. Culture: NATPAN 2026 is underway in Honiara, celebrating panpipe masters and cultural groups.

Pacific Defence Drills: The US and allies carried out a live-fire sinking of decommissioned USS Juneau during Valiant Shield 2026, with a Japanese submarine torpedoing the ship as part of broader Pacific warfighting training. Minimum Wage Debate: Solomon Islands private sector groups want any minimum wage change preceded by broad provincial consultation and a full economic impact assessment, warning against a poorly timed increase. Roads for Climate Resilience: The Ministry of Infrastructure, with World Bank support, is upgrading Solomon Islands transport asset management to better plan and maintain roads, bridges, culverts and wharves under climate risk. Regional Leadership Push: PM Matthew Wale and Fiji’s PM Sitiveni Rabuka called for a stronger, united Pacific voice, while Troika talks in Suva focused on regional governance reforms ahead of the Palau Forum summit. Business Finance Boost: Government signed a revised MoU to strengthen the SME Credit Guarantee Scheme, with SBD18 million earmarked for 2026 to expand access to loans. Community & Culture: Materials delivered for the Aekafo footpath project in East Honiara; National Panpipe Festival (NAPTAN) 2026 is underway in Honiara; and Honiara City Council announced the Naghoniara Vaka Flea Market for Independence Week.

SME Finance Boost: The Solomon Islands Government has renewed the SME Credit Guarantee Scheme with the Central Bank, with MCILI set to disburse SBD18 million in 2026 to help more small businesses access loans; since 2016, 169 SMEs have benefited and government investment has topped SBD15.8 million. Anti-Corruption Push: Transparency Solomon Islands welcomed the renewed commitment to strengthen SIICAC after it was dormant for two years, calling for swift action to restore full operations. Policing Accountability: Solomon Islands Police Commissioner Ian Vaevaso was suspended while a tribunal investigates claims he destroyed meth evidence and obstructed an internal probe. Regional Unity in Focus: Prime Minister Matthew Wale met Fiji leaders in Suva ahead of PIF Troika talks, stressing a stronger, unified Pacific voice and deeper Melanesian Spearhead Group cooperation. Culture & Tourism Calendar: Honiara’s NATPAN Festival opened with panpipe groups from across the country, while the HCC announced the Naghoniara Vaka Flea Market (5–7 July) and Independence Week float parade plans for 7 July. Climate Resilience Training: Provincial officers in Tulagi began a Training of Trainers workshop on climate and disaster risk management to strengthen local planning and community resilience. Sports—OFC Women’s Champions League: Hekari Women face a must-win after a tough start, while Puaikura FC opened with a heavy loss but still has a path to the semi-finals.

Police Accountability: Solomon Islands Police Commissioner Ian Vaevaso has been suspended while a tribunal investigates claims he destroyed meth evidence and obstructed an internal probe, with an acting commissioner expected within 48 hours. Independence Week Build-Up: Honiara City Council is set to launch the Naghoniara Vaka Flea Market (5–7 July) and the city is also gearing up for the 7 July float parade highlighting ministries, schools and civil society. Culture & Tourism: NATPAN Festival 2026 opened in Honiara, with panpipe groups from across the country, plus a two-day symposium on panpipe traditions running 2–3 July. Climate Resilience: Provincial officers from all nine provinces are in Tulagi for Training of Trainers on Climate and Disaster Risk Management. Regional Leadership: PM Matthew Wale is in Fiji for PIF Troika talks, pushing a stronger, more unified Pacific voice and closer Melanesian Spearhead Group cooperation. Sports: OFC Women’s Champions League action continues in Honiara, with Ba Women topping Group A after a 6-0 win over Henderson Eels ahead of a key clash with Hekari. Health Support: Japan has signed grants for malaria diagnostics and scholarships, including SBD$14.6m in total support. Infrastructure & Safety: Road marking works have begun at Tandai in West Honiara to improve traffic flow and road user safety.

Aviation & Cost of Living: An aviation expert says Solomon Airlines’ struggles are a wider regional problem, pointing to unreliable schedules, high fares and freight costs, after PM Matthew Wale and Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo criticised the carrier’s reliance on government funding. Immigration & Jobs: The Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) is gaining momentum, with 1,953 visas granted between July 2025 and March 2026, and the 2025-26 cohort tracking toward near-full success as job pathways improve. Indigenous Conservation: Pacific leaders and Indigenous advocates meet for a forum on Indigenous-led conservation and climate resilience, highlighting customary governance as a key strength for environmental protection. Regional Diplomacy: PM Wale arrives in Fiji for the PIF Troika Meeting, with bilateral talks planned, as he continues a push for balanced foreign policy and stronger ties with Japan. Health & Development: Japan signs new grant agreements for Solomon Islands—scholarships for future leaders and modern malaria diagnosis equipment to speed up detection and support elimination efforts. Security & Mining Cooperation: PNG and Solomon Islands deepen cooperation on mining sector reforms, while Wale and Marape discuss strengthening regional security and policing capacity. Local Governance & Markets: Honiara City Council invites landowners to partner on 12 designated betelnut markets across the city’s wards to curb illegal roadside selling and improve cleanliness. Transport & Connectivity: Solomon Ports launches a Shipping Schedule Hub App for real-time domestic vessel updates, and road marking works begin at Tandai to improve safety in Honiara. Sports: OFC Women’s Champions League action in Honiara kicks off with Auckland United’s 11-1 win and Ba Women topping Group A after a 6-0 victory, setting up key matches ahead.

OFC Women’s Champions League: Auckland United sent a statement with an 11-1 demolition of Drehu Athletico Club in Honiara, while Ba Women topped Group A after a record 6-0 win over Henderson Eels; Hekari Women were held to a draw, setting up a must-win clash for them. Foreign Policy: Prime Minister Matthew Wale says Solomon Islands is pursuing a more balanced, constructive foreign policy and reaffirming enduring ties with Japan after talks in Honiara. Regional Security: Wale heads to Fiji for Pacific Islands Forum Troika talks, as regional leaders keep pushing cooperation on security and continuity. Mining Cooperation: PNG and Solomon Islands agreed to deepen cooperation on mining sector reforms, with PNG offering policy and governance experience and support for Solomon Islands’ push to modernise its resource regime. Health & Aid: Japan signed grant agreements in Honiara for scholarships and modern malaria diagnosis equipment, backing faster detection and stronger surveillance. Local Economy: Honiara City Council approved 12 designated betelnut markets across its wards, inviting titled landowners to partner to curb illegal roadside selling and litter. Maritime Connectivity: Solomon Ports launched a Shipping Schedule Hub App to give real-time domestic vessel movement updates to passengers. Climate Resilience: SPREP highlights how El Niño can bring both risks and opportunities for Pacific communities.

Pacific Diplomacy: Prime Minister Matthew Wale is pushing for a stronger, more effective Melanesian Spearhead Group after talks with PNG’s James Marape in Port Moresby, with regional security and West Papua also on the agenda. Regional Security: Wale is set to attend the Pacific Islands Forum Troika Meeting in Suva, Fiji, starting Tuesday, as leaders line up priorities for the region. Mining Governance: Solomon Islands and PNG agreed to deepen cooperation on mining sector reforms, with PNG offering experience to help Honiara improve transparency and national benefit, including plans around gold exports and longer-term refining. Maritime Tech: Solomon Ports launched its Shipping Schedule Hub App, giving passengers real-time domestic vessel movement updates across the country. Health & Aid: Japan signed two grant agreements with Solomon Islands—scholarships for human resource development and new malaria diagnosis equipment. Sports (OFC Women’s Champions League): Ba Women FC made a statement in Honiara, thrashing Henderson Eels 6-0 and saying they’ll take the tournament “one game at a time.”

Pacific Security: Australia and Vanuatu have signed the long-awaited Nakamal Agreement in Canberra, ending months of tense talks. The deal bars any foreign military base on Vanuatu’s soil and says Vanuatu’s critical infrastructure must stay free from militarisation, foreign interference and unauthorised access—while also allowing Vanuatu to consult Australia on third-party involvement. Mining & Trade: Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea are moving to deepen cooperation on mining sector reforms, with PNG offering governance experience and support as both governments aim to maximise benefits from mineral resources. Maritime Digital Services: Solomon Ports has launched its Shipping Schedule Hub App, giving the public real-time domestic vessel schedule information and delay/cancellation notifications. Health & Education: Japan and Solomon Islands signed two grant agreements worth 294 million yen—scholarships for public servants and new malaria diagnosis equipment. Regional Aviation: Solomon Airlines will start scheduled flights between Port Moresby and Honiara from July 7. Sports: Ba Women FC began the OFC Women’s Champions League in Honiara with a 6-0 win over Henderson Eels, while Auckland United opened with an 11-1 demolition of Drehu Athletico.

Fiji Military Support: 50 Fiji RFMF personnel have departed for the Solomon Islands to help restore security and stability, after Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama assured support following talks with Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale. Regional Finance Resilience: Pacific leaders met in Majuro to push work that protects correspondent banking links, so payments, trade, tourism and remittances can keep flowing across the Blue Pacific. OFC Women’s Champions League (Honiara): Ba Women kicked off their campaign with a 6-0 win over Henderson Eels, putting them top of Group A ahead of their next match. Media & Culture Links: Tavuli News signed a cooperation deal with Guizhou Today Convergent Media Group to boost journalism exchanges, and it also secured Solomon Islands’ spot in the People of the Pasifika 48-Hour Film Challenge in September. Health & Services: Australia-backed waste-management training has been completed for staff preparing for the new Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre, while 29 health workers finished disaster rehabilitation training at NRH. Economy & Food Pressure: Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo called for a major fiscal and economic policy reset, and Honiara shoppers report slippery cabbage supplies are down as El Niño-driven dry weather hits harvests.

OFC Women’s Champions League in Honiara: Henderson Eels open as hosts with a home-soil challenge, while Auckland United, Drehu Athletico, Hekari Women, Ba Women, Tafea, and Puaikura all chase the title as the tournament kicks off this weekend. Football results abroad: Auckland United’s return to Solomon Islands football ended in a crushing 11-1 win over Drehu Athletico. PNG–Solomon Islands deal: Prime Ministers Matthew Wale and James Marape signed a new 2026–2030 Framework Agreement on Development and Economic Cooperation, covering trade, investment, security, infrastructure and regional engagement. Regional security talk: Australia’s Defence Industry and Pacific Affairs minister says competition with China is here to stay, while Pacific countries choose their own paths. Maritime push: Solomon Islands marked International Day of the Seafarer and outlined priorities to boost maritime investment, safety and workforce development. Rural livelihoods: CEMA support is helping East Guadalcanal copra and cocoa farmers sell locally and cut transport costs. Health services: A Chinese medical team performed a landmark kidney stone surgery at NRH, and Australia-backed waste-management training prepares staff for the new Naha health centre. Disaster readiness: 29 health and emergency professionals completed disaster rehabilitation training. Food pressure from El Niño: Slippery cabbage supplies are down in Honiara markets as the dry season bites. Sports development beyond Honiara: SICF is taking chess to Gizo with a free mini tournament.

Pacific Security & Diplomacy: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale is in Papua New Guinea for talks with James Marape, signing a 2026–2030 Framework Agreement on Development and Economic Cooperation covering trade, investment, security, infrastructure and regional engagement, with Wale also pushing closer Melanesian leadership and discussing mining reforms and fuel quota collaboration. Regional Competition: Australia’s Pat Conroy says strategic rivalry with China in the Pacific is here to stay, while Washington is stepping up Pacific engagement to boost resilience and counter China’s growing footprint. OFC Women’s Champions League (Honiara): Henderson Eels (hosts) and visiting clubs are gearing up for the tournament, with Ba FC dealing with a Fiji Airways luggage delay but staying focused on opening matches. Agriculture & Rural Livelihoods: CEMA is credited by East Guadalcanal copra and cocoa farmers for setting up local buying points that cut transport costs and make sales easier. Health & Training: A Chinese medical team at NRH performed a landmark minimally invasive kidney stone surgery, and 29 health workers completed disaster rehabilitation training. Infrastructure & Daily Life: Honiara road works continue around the Hot Bread Roundabout, while shoppers report slippery cabbage shortages as El Niño-driven dry weather hits harvests. Climate Warning: A Green Climate Fund official warns Solomon Islands to prepare now for a possible 2026–2027 “super El Niño.”