Minister Napuat says MoU will strengthen community policing between the RSIPF and VPF

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will recognise and strengthen the importance of community policing, a statement highlighted by the Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Vanuatu, Hon. Andrew Solomon Napuat, during the MoU signing in Honiara on 18 August 2026.

Hon. Minister Solomon Napuat said, “I am particularly pleased that this memorandum recognises the importance of community policing through the exchange of community policing officers between our two police forces.

Minister Solomon Napuat said community policing is far more than a policing strategy. It is the very heart of effective policing throughout the Pacific. It reminds us that the strength of a police force is not measured solely by its equipment, its legislation or its enforcement powers. Its true strength lies in the confidence and trust that it earns from the people it serves.

Honourable Minister Napuat said when community policing officers from Vanuatu serve in the Solomon Islands and officers from the Solomon Islands serve in Vanuatu, they will do much more than exchange professional knowledge. They will spend time with chiefs and traditional leaders, engage with churches, women's groups and youth organisations, visit schools, participate in village meetings and work alongside communities to prevent crime before it occurs.

“They will learn from one another's experiences and return home with new ideas, stronger partnerships and a deeper understanding that policing is ultimately about serving people with compassion, dignity and respect,” said the Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Vanuatu.
The MoU signed will further enhance cooperation in criminal investigations, forensic science and the exchange of specialist training instructors.

“Criminal investigations are becoming increasingly complex and frequently extend beyond national boundaries. By working together, sharing investigative expertise and strengthening forensic capabilities, both police forces will improve their ability to deliver justice, uphold the rule of law and protect the integrity of our criminal justice systems,” said Minister Napuat.

He said, 'Likewise, the exchange of instructors will contribute significantly to developing future generations of highly professional police officers capable of meeting the evolving security challenges of our region.'

The signing of the MoU also reflects the broader relationship that continues to flourish between the governments of Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands.

These understandings are founded upon mutual respect, trust and the recognition that our common border is not merely a geographical line separating two nations. Rather, it is a shared responsibility that requires cooperation, dialogue and collective stewardship.

A communique document was signed between the two ministers and the two commissioners at the Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara last night. During the communique document signing, the acting commissioner of RSIPF, Mr James Aitorea, presented a gift to the commissioner of VPF.