Vanuatu and Solomon Islands have agreed to strengthen cooperation between their police forces following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at improving intelligence sharing, maritime security, specialist training and the exchange of police officers.
The agreement was signed yesterday between the Vanuatu Police Force and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, with both governments committing to practical measures to address shared security challenges.
Under the agreement, the two police forces will strengthen the sharing of criminal, security and operational intelligence, particularly in areas including transnational and organised crime, drug trafficking, people smuggling and border security.
The partnership will also support the exchange and secondment of police officers, including criminal investigators, intelligence personnel and officers working in specialist policing areas.
Minister of Internal Affairs Andrew Napuat said the agreement represents more than a formal document between the two police forces.
“This Memorandum of Understanding is much more than an agreement between institutions. It is a solemn commitment between the Governments of the Republic of Vanuatu and Solomon Islands to stand together in protecting our people, defending our sovereignty, and preserving the peace and security of our region.”
Focus on Maritime Security and Training
A major focus of the cooperation will be maritime policing, with the two countries looking at ways to support each other in protecting their maritime borders and Exclusive Economic Zones.
The agreement will also strengthen cooperation in crowd control and public order management, explosive ordnance identification and disposal, criminal investigations, emergency response and other specialist policing areas.
Minister Napuat said the growing nature of transnational crime requires countries in the region to work more closely together.
“The criminal organisations operating across our region do not recognise national borders. They exploit our vast oceans, target our young people with illicit drugs, engage in illegal fishing, traffic vulnerable persons, commit cybercrime and seek every opportunity to undermine the rule of law and the stability of our communities.”
The two police forces will also develop joint training and professional development programmes, allowing officers from both countries to participate in courses, exercises, workshops and operational attachments.
Community policing will also form part of the cooperation, with the exchange of officers expected to strengthen engagement with communities, traditional leaders, churches, women, young people and other groups.
The Ministers have directed the Commissioners of both police forces to establish an implementation mechanism to identify priority activities, responsible officers and a timetable for the agreed programmes.
The first priority activities are expected to begin as soon as practicable following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding.
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