RSIPF discuss national security challenges with visiting US Assistant Secretary of Defense

The Commissioner of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, Matthew Varley and members of his Executive team today (12 December 2018) met with a senior United States delegation of civilian and military officials led by the US Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs, the Hon. Randall Schriver at the Rove Police Headquarters in Honiara.

The meeting discussed the United States engagement in the Pacific Islands, security challenges and opportunities for defense cooperation between Solomon Islands and the US as well as opportunities for US assistance to Solomon Islands.

“The RSIPF is very grateful to be given this rare opportunity to meet with one of the
US Government’s most senior Defense officials to discuss the security situation and some of the challenges Solomon Islands faces” says Commissioner Varley.

Commissioner Varley explains: “My Executive and I took the opportunity to discuss with the US delegation some of the challenges for the RSIPF including the 2019 National General Election and the common border issues with Papua New Guinea.”

“RSIPF also outlined during the meeting some of the assistance needed in particular areas.

We thank the US Government’s current assistance within the RSIPF and look forward to continuing to work together in other areas of common interest,” Commissioner Varley emphasizes.

The US Assistant Secretary of Defense, Hon. Schriver and his delegation were in Honiara as part of a tour of the Pacific island countries.