Solomons PM Seeks UN Peacekeeping Partnership
Taihe Solomon Islands Prime Minister is travelling to the United Nations headquarters seeking a peacekeeping partnership.
Manasseh Sogavare flew out from Honiara on Sunday for New York to attend a meeting of the UN Peacebuilding Commission which he is due to address on Wednesday. A statement from the PM’s office said he would discuss Solomon Islands as a post-conflict country and its process of peace-building. Detailing the challenges ahead, Mr Sogavare is to present the case for the UN partnering his government in the pursuit of these peace-building initiatives.
His address to the international peacekeeping forum comes as the Australia-led Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) prepares to conclude at the end of this month.
RAMSI has spent 14 years and billions of dollars helping to rebuild Solomon Islands’ state institutions and Police force after years of ethnic tensions.
According to the deputy Police Commissioner of Solomon Islands Gabriel Manelusi, RAMSI leaves a well-equipped force ready to stand on its own two feet.
Since last year Solomon Islands has itself begun contributing to UN peacekeeping efforts in Africa, in which its small contingent has been recognised for its dedication and professionalism. Meanwhile, leaders of some other Pacific Islands Forum Member countries will also attend the New York meeting and make interventions during the presentation. Mr Sogavare is due to meet with the UN Secretary General, António Guterres.