The Solomon Islands allow the US Coast Guard to patrol their waters

The Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, Matthew Wale, announced that he will sign an agreement allowing the United States Coast Guard to patrol the waters of the archipelago, with local police officers on board.

During his visit to Washington, Wale met with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, discussing a possible investment in Bina Harbour, on Malaita Island, for the development of a tuna processing plant. They also signed a letter of intent for the return of the Peace Corps to the Solomon Islands and for funding a program to remove unexploded ordnance from World War II, valued at six million dollars.

The Solomon Islands, which have a Security Pact with China from 2022, are seeking to enhance regional security in the face of threats such as drug trafficking and illegal fishing.

The onboard presence agreement will be signed next week in Honiara, the capital of the archipelago.