Thanking Our Troops In The Solomons
The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon Warren Snowdon MP, today joined the Minister for Foreign
Affairs, the Hon Stephen Smith MP, the Parliamentary Secretary for International Assistance, the Hon Bob McMullen MP,
and the Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs, the Hon Duncan Kerr SC, MP on a visit to the Solomon
Islands.
"We currently have approximately 140 reservist men and women from Perth's 13 Brigade doing wonderful work under the
Australian-led Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI).
"And it's my pleasure and privilege to be able to visit and formally thank them for their efforts," said Mr Snowdon.
RAMSI's mission is to assist the Solomon Islands Government in the restoration of security, law and order, and to help
improve the machinery of government in the Solomon Islands.
"In addition to the RAMSI military contingent, Defence also provides two Patrol Boats to assist with training and
technical advice in fisheries management."
Minister Smith said that subject to ongoing reviews of the security situation, Australia remains strongly committed to
assisting its regional neighbours.
"Our priority is to work closely with the Solomon Islands Government and its new Prime Minister, Dr Derek Sikua to
restore stability.
"Working with New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Tonga, we hope to assist the Solomon Islands in achieving peace,
economic recovery, and good governance," said Mr Smith.
ENDS