AGP Executive Report

Pacific Security Talks: Australian PM Anthony Albanese begins a three-day Pacific visit, set to sign the Vuvale Union agreement in Suva and push Solomon Islands treaty talks with Honiara, alongside Foreign Minister Penny Wong. Regional Governance: Pacific Islands Forum Troika leaders met in Suva with Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale urging Pacific institutions to evolve fast, while PIF SG Baron Waqa backs unity and collective action ahead of the Palau leaders meeting. Fisheries: The 25th Forum Fisheries Committee ministerial meeting wrapped up in Wellington, with ministers backing the next chair and priorities for Pacific fisheries cooperation. Independence & Community: Solomon Islands marks its 48th anniversary with a national thanksgiving service at St Barnabas Cathedral on July 5, plus independence celebrations and events in Honiara. Transport & Infrastructure: Santa Cruz Airport terminal works are largely complete, and Ports’ Harbours Department will manage the new Shipping Schedule Hub digital platform. Cost of Living & Weather: Fuel prices fall in July for diesel and kerosene in Honiara, while a strong wind warning remains current for Solomon Islands waters. Sports: OFC Women’s Champions League action continues in Honiara with key group matches shaping semi-final hopes.

OFC Women’s Champions League: Ba Women remain hopeful of the semi-finals after a 3-1 loss to PNG’s Hekari United in Honiara, with captain Luisa Tamanitokula blaming a late red card for turning the game and vowing to fix mistakes ahead of their final pool match. Regional Security & Unity: Solomon Islands PM and incoming Pacific Islands Forum Chair Matthew Wale used his inauguration to push for a stronger Pacific-led regional security framework, while PIF Secretary General Baron Waqa stressed unity, service and collective action as the region tackles climate, economic and security pressures. Pacific Diplomacy: Wale and Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka reaffirmed close ties and a united Pacific voice, and Troika leaders met in Suva to discuss governance reforms and preparations for the 55th PIF Leaders Meeting in Palau. Business & Infrastructure: Private sector groups urged broad consultation before any minimum wage change, and the government signed a revised MoU to strengthen the SME Credit Guarantee Scheme. Transport Resilience: A World Bank-backed project is upgrading Solomon Islands road asset management to improve climate-resilient planning and maintenance. Community & Culture: Materials were delivered for the Aekafo footpath project in East Honiara, and NATPAN 2026 is underway at the National Art Gallery.

Pacific Security & Diplomacy: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale and Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka met in Suva, backing a stronger, unified Pacific voice as Troika leaders (Wale, Tonga’s PM, Palau’s president) discussed regional governance reforms ahead of the Palau forum. Local Governance & Economy: Private sector groups want broad consultation and an economic impact check before any minimum wage change. The Government also signed a revised MoU to strengthen the SME Credit Guarantee Scheme, with SBD18m earmarked for 2026, and Australia’s NMI donated fuel measurement trolleys to improve pump accuracy. Infrastructure & Climate Resilience: MID is upgrading transport asset management under SIRAP2 to boost climate-resilient planning and maintenance. Provincial officers are training on climate and disaster risk management. Community & Culture: NATPAN 2026 is underway in Honiara, and Honiara City Council will launch the Naghoniara Vaka Flea Market for Independence Week. Sports: Henderson Eels FC were eliminated from the OFC Women’s Champions League after a 6-0 loss to Vanuatu’s Tafea; Hekari Women beat Ba Women 3-1 with late goals.

SME Finance Boost: The Solomon Islands Government has renewed the SME Credit Guarantee Scheme with the Central Bank of Solomon Islands, pledging SBD18 million for 2026 to help more small businesses access loans; since 2016, 169 SMEs have benefited and government funding has leveraged SBD42.5 million in lending. Anti-Corruption & Policing: Solomon Islands Police Commissioner Ian Vaevaso has been suspended while an independent tribunal investigates claims he destroyed meth evidence and obstructed an internal probe, with an acting commissioner expected to be appointed within 48 hours. Regional Diplomacy: Prime Minister Matthew Wale is in Fiji for the PIF Troika Meeting, calling for a stronger, unified Pacific voice and closer Melanesian Spearhead Group cooperation, including work on the MSG Trade Agreement direction. Independence Week Build-Up: Honiara’s Independence celebrations are ramping up with a major float parade on 7 July and the Naghoniara Vaka Flea Market running 5–7 July to back local vendors and tourism. Culture & Resilience: NATPAN Festival opened in Honiara, while provincial officers in Tulagi are training on climate and disaster risk management to strengthen resilience at community level.

Police Accountability: Solomon Islands Police Commissioner Ian Vaevaso has been suspended while an independent tribunal investigates claims he destroyed meth evidence and obstructed an internal probe, with an acting commissioner expected to be appointed within 48 hours. Independence Build-Up (Honiara): Honiara City Council will launch the Naghoniara Vaka Flea Market (5–7 July) at Lawson Tama Stadium, with plans to run it as a permanent Sunday market after Independence Week; organisers also confirm a major float parade on 7 July through Honiara’s main streets. Culture & Community: NATPAN Festival 2026 opened in Honiara, celebrating panpipe groups nationwide, with a two-day panpipe symposium set for 2–3 July. Climate Resilience: Provincial officers in Tulagi are taking part in a week-long Training of Trainers on Climate and Disaster Risk Management to strengthen local planning. Regional Leadership: PM Matthew Wale is in Fiji for PIF Troika talks, pushing for a stronger, more unified Pacific voice and closer Melanesian Spearhead Group cooperation. Sports: OFC Women’s Champions League action continues in Honiara, with Hekari Women facing a must-win after early results reshaped Group A. Health Support: Japan has signed grant agreements worth about SBD$14.6 million for malaria diagnostics and postgraduate scholarships for future leaders.

Aviation & Cost of Living: Solomon Airlines is under fresh scrutiny after Prime Minister Matthew Wale and Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo said the national carrier’s problems are hitting passengers and businesses through unreliable schedules, high fares and costly freight, with calls for measurable progress instead of open-ended government funding. Migration Policy: New Zealand’s Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) is accelerating, with 1,953 visas granted between July 2025 and March 2026 and a strong outlook for the 2025-26 cohort. Diplomacy & Regional Leadership: Wale has arrived in Fiji for the Pacific Islands Forum Troika meeting, with official welcomes and bilateral talks planned before he returns to Honiara on 3 July. Health & Aid: Japan has signed grant agreements worth about SBD$14.6m for malaria diagnosis equipment and postgraduate scholarships for Solomon Islands public servants. Local Governance: Honiara City Council is inviting titled landowners to partner on 12 designated betelnut markets across the city’s wards to curb illegal roadside selling and litter. Infrastructure & Safety: Road marking works have begun at Tandai in West Honiara to improve traffic flow and road safety. Sports: OFC Women’s Champions League action is heating up in Honiara, with Auckland United’s 11-1 statement win and Ba Women topping Group A after a 6-0 victory.

OFC Women’s Champions League: Auckland United sent a statement with an 11-1 demolition of Drehu Athletico Club, while Ba Women topped Group A after a record 6-0 win over Henderson Eels in Honiara; Hekari Women were held to a draw and now face a must-win clash. Foreign Policy: Prime Minister Matthew Wale says Solomon Islands is pursuing a more balanced, respectful foreign policy while reaffirming enduring ties with Japan. Regional Security: Australia and Vanuatu signed the Nakamal Agreement, a watered-down security and development pact that bars foreign military bases and militarisation of critical infrastructure, with Australia as the primary policing partner. Pacific Diplomacy: Wale heads to Fiji for the PIF Troika talks, after a recent visit to Papua New Guinea. Mining Cooperation: PNG will share mining policy experience with Solomon Islands as both push reforms to improve governance and maximise benefits for locals. Health & Aid: Japan signed grant agreements for scholarships and modern malaria diagnostic equipment, backing Solomon Islands’ push to strengthen malaria detection and treatment. Local Governance: Honiara City Council is inviting landowners to partner on 12 designated betelnut markets across the city’s wards. Transport & Business: Solomon Ports launched a Shipping Schedule Hub App for real-time domestic vessel updates, and Solomon Airlines is set to launch a new Port Moresby–Honiara scheduled service next week.

Regional 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 West Papua and regional security on the agenda. Mining Cooperation: PNG and Solomon Islands agreed to deepen mining sector governance cooperation, with PNG offering legal and technical support as Honiara reforms its alluvial gold rules, including plans for a dedicated gold export unit and, longer term, a national refinery. Pacific Security: Australia and Vanuatu signed the Nakamal Agreement, barring foreign military bases and militarisation of critical infrastructure, while still allowing consultation on third-party engagement—an issue playing out across the Pacific as China-US rivalry grows. Maritime Tech: Solomon Ports launched its Shipping Schedule Hub App, giving Android users real-time domestic vessel schedules and delay/cancellation notifications. Health & Education: Japan signed two new grants for Solomon Islands—scholarships for public servants and modern malaria diagnosis equipment. Sports: Ba Women FC opened the OFC Women’s Champions League in Honiara with a dominant 6-0 win over Henderson Eels, saying it’s “one game at a time” as they prepare for Hekari.

Pacific Security Deal: Australia and Vanuatu have signed the long-awaited Nakamal Agreement in Canberra, ending months of delays. The pact 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 requiring consultation with Australia on third-party involvement. Regional Governance & Mining: Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea are moving to deepen mining sector reforms, with PNG offering legal and technical experience to help Honiara improve transparency and national benefits, including plans around gold exports and refining. Maritime Digital Services: Solomon Ports launched its Shipping Schedule Hub App, giving the public real-time updates on domestic vessel movements and delays across the country. Health & Education Support: Solomon Islands signed two Japan grant agreements worth 294 million yen for public service scholarships and modern malaria diagnosis equipment. Sports: In the OFC Women’s Champions League in Honiara, Ba Women thrashed Henderson Eels 6-0, while Auckland United beat Drehu Athletico 11-1. Local Development: The Police Ministry launched its Corporate Plan 2025–2028 to strengthen security and public service delivery.

Regional Security Support: Fiji has deployed 50 RFMF personnel to help restore security and stability in the Solomon Islands, after Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama assured Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale of support. Pacific Finance Resilience: Pacific leaders met in Majuro to push ahead on a project to strengthen correspondent banking links, aiming to keep international payments and remittances flowing for Blue Pacific countries. OFC Women’s Champions League (Honiara): Ba Women FC opened their campaign with a 6-0 win over Henderson Eels FC, taking top spot in Group A ahead of their next match. Solomon Islands–China Media Links: Tavuli News signed a media cooperation agreement with Guizhou Today Convergent Media Group to boost journalism exchanges, joint reporting and training. Health & Services: Australia funded waste-management training for staff preparing to open the Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre, while 29 health workers completed disaster rehabilitation training at NRH. Local Economy & Food: Honiara markets report fewer slippery cabbage supplies as El Niño-linked dry weather cuts harvests.

OFC Women’s Champions League in Honiara: Henderson Eels are ready to make the most of home advantage as the 2026 tournament kicks off, with Auckland United, Drehu Athletico, Hekari Women, Ba Women, Tafea and Puaikura all set for group action. Football results and build-up: Auckland United opened their title defence with a dominant 11-1 win over Drehu Athletico, while Puaikura FC and Ba FC both push through late travel and heat challenges ahead of their matches. Agriculture support: East Guadalcanal copra and cocoa farmers say CEMA’s rural buying points are cutting transport costs and making it easier to sell and earn more. Health and training: A Chinese medical team at NRH performed a landmark minimally invasive kidney stone surgery, and 29 health workers completed disaster rehabilitation training to strengthen emergency response. Regional ties: Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea signed a new 2026–2030 framework agreement covering trade, investment, security and infrastructure, as PM Wale urged PNG to keep leading on Pacific challenges. Maritime focus: Solomon Islands marked International Day of the Seafarer with renewed calls for maritime investment and workforce development.

Gender Violence Watch: A new global roundup flags Papua New Guinea as among the worst places for violence against women, with Solomon Islands named alongside other Pacific countries where abuse is often normalized. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale is in Papua New Guinea for talks with James Marape, pushing deeper cooperation on trade, mining reforms, security and people-to-people links, while also floating ideas for stronger Melanesian and Pacific-wide security coordination. PNG–SI Cooperation: The two leaders signed a five-year Framework Agreement on Development and Economic Cooperation (2026–2030), outlining collaboration across infrastructure, investment, security, trade and regional engagement. Pacific Sports Spotlight: Honiara hosts the OFC Women’s Champions League 2026, with Henderson Eels carrying home pride and teams like Auckland United, Drehu Athletico, Hekari Women, Ba Women, Tafea and Puaikura ready to battle. Health & Community Resilience: Australia-backed waste management training supports the new Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre, while 29 health and emergency responders complete disaster rehabilitation training. Food & Weather: Honiara markets report slippery cabbage supplies are down as El Niño-linked dry weather suppresses harvests.

PNG–Solomon Ties: Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands have signed a new five-year Framework Agreement on Development and Economic Cooperation (2026–2030), setting a roadmap for closer work on trade, investment, infrastructure, security, and regional engagement after talks in Port Moresby between PMs James Marape and Matthew Wale. Regional Security Push: Wale has also raised the idea of a Pacific-wide security deal with Australia, with Defence Industry and Pacific Affairs Minister Pat Conroy saying Australia would be open if it matches Pacific priorities. OFC Women’s Champions League in Honiara: Teams are gearing up for the tournament kick-off, with Henderson Eels (hosts) aiming to make the most of home advantage and Ba FC Women turning a travel luggage setback into motivation ahead of their opening match. Maritime Focus: Solomon Islands marked International Day of the Seafarer with renewed calls to boost maritime investment, safety, and workforce development, while the Ministry of Infrastructure Development outlined priorities to strengthen the domestic shipping sector. Health & Training: Australia-backed waste management training has been completed for staff preparing for the Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre, and 29 health and emergency responders finished disaster rehabilitation training. Food & Weather: Honiara markets are seeing less slippery cabbage as El Niño-linked dry conditions suppress harvests. Sports & Community: SICF is taking chess development beyond Honiara with a free Gizo mini chess tournament this Saturday, and Temotu Bash 2.0 drew about 1,000 people to boost tourism.

Maritime Safety & Training: Solomon Islands marked International Day of the Seafarer with renewed focus on safer, stronger shipping, including MID’s five priorities for maritime investment, workforce development and connectivity, plus Australia-backed medical waste management training for staff preparing the new Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre. Disaster Preparedness: Twenty-nine health and emergency professionals completed a rehabilitation in disaster and emergency course in Honiara, supported through Australia’s regional engagement. Climate & Food Prices: El Niño is biting Honiara’s food supply, with slippery cabbage running low at markets as dry weather suppresses harvests. Infrastructure: Road works in Central Honiara are progressing on the Hot Bread Roundabout, aimed at improving traffic flow and safety. Regional Diplomacy: Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea signed a 2026–2030 Framework Agreement on Development and Economic Cooperation, with talks also covering trade, security and mining reforms. Sports (OFC Women’s Champions League): Henderson Eels host the OFC Women’s Champions League in Honiara, with teams ready for Saturday’s kick-off and local chess development pushing beyond Honiara into Gizo.

Pacific Diplomacy: Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea signed a new Framework Agreement on Development and Economic Cooperation for 2026–2030 after talks in Port Moresby between PM Matthew Wale and PM James Marape, with a roadmap covering trade, investment, security, infrastructure, development and regional affairs. Ocean Conservation: The two leaders also signed the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves (MOCOR) 2026–2030, committing to protect interconnected marine ecosystems and conserve 30% of sovereign waters by 2030. Regional Security Push: Wale urged PNG to keep leading on Pacific challenges and floated the idea of a Pacific-wide security pact; Australia’s defence minister Pat Conroy said strategic competition with China is permanent, while the US is stepping up its Pacific push to counter China’s influence. Climate Watch: A Green Climate Fund official warned Solomon Islands to prepare for a looming 2026–2027 “super El Niño,” while SIMS says strong winds are affecting Solomon Islands waters and advises sea travel caution. Governance Tensions: Opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare accused PM Wale of abusing clause 22(j) to remove senior public servants for political reasons. Sports: OFC Women’s Champions League 2026 kicks off in Honiara with Solomon Islands’ Henderson Eels among the seven teams, as PNG’s Hekari Women chase a first title.

Super El Niño Alert: A senior Green Climate Fund official says Solomon Islands must act fast to prepare for a 2026–2027 “super El Niño,” warning it could hit harder than 1997–1998 because climate change is amplifying impacts and development support is tightening. Weather Watch: The Meteorological Service says El Niño conditions are already declared, with dry conditions likely to bring water shortages and knock-on effects for health and services, while a strong wind warning remains in force for Solomon Islands waters. Pacific Security: Australia’s Pacific Affairs Minister says China is seeking a permanent security presence in the region, while Australia is open to a Pacific-wide security deal if Pacific leaders want it. Governance Tension: Opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare accuses PM Matthew Wale of abusing clause 22(j) to remove senior public servants for political reasons. Sports Spotlight: The OFC Women’s Champions League kicks off in Honiara this weekend, with Auckland United defending and Henderson Eels carrying home hopes. Money & Trade: CBSI launches a limited-edition $50 commemorative banknote for its 50th Golden Jubilee, and SIPA outlines plans to expand Honiara’s domestic port facilities.