Naval ship embargo ‘not directly an issue’

Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta says Solomon Islands’ new moratorium on naval ships entering its ports is ‘‘not directly an issue’’ for New Zealand.

Solomon Islands has in recent days stopped approving naval ship visits, a measure Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has said is temporary while the government reviews its diplomatic clearance system. It comes after Sogavare’s government failed to allow a US Navy ship to dock for refuelling, and after months of heightened concern among

Pacific nations over Solomon Islands’ tightening ties with China – including signing a security agreement with Beijing that would allow Chinese military ships port access.

New Zealand has been developing a maritime security strategy with Solomon Islands.

Mahuta said the moratorium was ‘‘not directly an issue for us’’.

‘‘We don’t have any navy ships there and I am informed none are programmed to go there in the near future,’’ Mahuta said.

The decision not to provide the US Coast Guard Cutter Oliver Henry diplomatic clearance to enter the Solomon Islands’ capital, Honiara, for refuelling, earlier this month was called ‘‘regrettable’’ by a spokesperson for the US embassy in Wellington, however the US Navy hospital ship Mercy did receive clearance on Monday.

A day later, the Solomon Islands Government told the US it was placing a ‘‘moratorium on all naval visits, pending updates in protocol procedures’’, the embassy spokesperson said.

Sogavare, attending a ceremony welcoming the hospital ship, said there had been a delay in granting the Oliver Henry entry due to his office not receiving the appropriate information on time. ‘‘Unfortunately, by the time the approval was communicated . . . the ship’s captain had decided to leave our waters,’’ he said. ‘‘We have requested our partners to give us time to review and put in place our new processes before sending further requests for military vessels to enter the country. Once the new mechanism is in place, we will inform you all. We anticipate the new process to be smoother and timelier,’’ Sogavare said.

A Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson said New Zealand regularly sought permission for military assets to enter Solomon Islands’ territory, including when Defence Force staff went to the country’s aid after rioting late last year.