Solomon Islands advances marine and security cooperation with Papua New Guinea and Australia

Prime Minister Matthew Wale of the Solomon Islands visited Port Moresby, where he and Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape signed the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves (MOCOR) Declaration and a Framework Agreement on Development and Economic Cooperation. The accords aim to strengthen marine conservation, sustainable resource management, trade and investment between the two Melanesian nations.

Australia announced it is open to pursuing a Pacific‑wide security pact, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Pacific Island Affairs Minister Pat Conroy indicating willingness to act on regional priorities. Conroy said, "If this is something the Pacific is interested in, then of course we'd be open to pursuing it." The proposal follows concerns about growing Chinese influence after the Solomon Islands signed a security agreement with Beijing in 2022, and it could involve new security arrangements across the Pacific.

These developments highlight the Solomon Islands' active diplomatic role in both environmental and security arenas within the Pacific region.