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Constitution |
The foreign policy of Solomon Islands as of 2008 [update] was described by the Solomon Islands government as a "look north" policy, aimed as strengthening diplomatic and economic relations with Asian countries for development purposes. [1]
Countries with diplomatic missions in Solomon Islands are Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, South Korea and the United Kingdom. The U.S. ambassador resident in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea is also accredited to Solomon Islands. Canada, France, Germany, South Korea, Sweden and Malaysia have Honorary Consuls.
Solomon Islands has diplomatic missions in Canberra, Papua New Guinea, at the United Nations in New York, where the ambassador there is also accredited as its ambassador to the United States of America, UNESCO in Paris and high commissioner to Canada and at the European Commission in Brussels where the representative is also accredited as High Commissioner to the UK.
List of countries which the Solomon Islands maintains diplomatic relations with:
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# | Country | Date [2] |
1 | ![]() | 7 July 1978 [3] |
2 | ![]() | 7 July 1978 |
3 | ![]() | 7 July 1978 [3] |
4 | ![]() | 7 July 1978 |
5 | ![]() | 7 July 1978 [3] |
6 | ![]() | 7 July 1978 [4] |
7 | ![]() | 11 July 1978 30 October 1996 |
8 | ![]() | 11 July 1978 [3] |
9 | ![]() | 17 July 1978 [5] |
10 | ![]() | 28 July 1978 |
11 | ![]() | 1 September 1978 |
12 | ![]() | 15 September 1978 [6] |
13 | ![]() | 9 October 1978 |
14 | ![]() | 1 February 1979 [3] |
15 | ![]() | 28 February 1979 [3] |
16 | ![]() | 8 March 1979 [7] |
17 | ![]() | 12 July 1979 [3] |
18 | ![]() | 24 October 1979 [3] |
19 | ![]() | 7 July 1980 [3] |
20 | ![]() | 30 July 1980 [8] |
21 | ![]() | 8 August 1980 [9] |
22 | ![]() | 1 October 1980 [3] |
23 | ![]() | 18 December 1980 [10] |
24 | ![]() | 1 February 1982 [3] |
25 | ![]() | 10 May 1983 [3] |
26 | ![]() | 28 July 1983 [3] |
– | ![]() | 9 May 1983 [11] |
27 | ![]() | 2 May 1986 |
28 | ![]() | 1 March 1987 [3] |
29 | ![]() | 21 April 1987 [12] |
30 | ![]() | 1 May 1987 |
31 | ![]() | 28 August 1987 [8] |
32 | ![]() | 1 January 1989 |
33 | ![]() | 18 October 1989 |
34 | ![]() | 5 April 1990 |
35 | ![]() | 21 May 1992 [13] |
36 | ![]() | 18 October 1995 |
37 | ![]() | 30 October 1996 |
38 | ![]() | 20 November 1996 |
39 | ![]() | 26 November 1996 |
40 | ![]() | 11 December 1996 |
41 | ![]() | 16 July 1999 |
42 | ![]() | 19 December 2002 |
43 | ![]() | 27 September 2004 |
44 | ![]() | 2 August 2005 |
45 | ![]() | 13 October 2005 |
46 | ![]() | 20 April 2007 |
47 | ![]() | 8 May 2007 |
48 | ![]() | 20 December 2007 |
49 | ![]() | 26 September 2008 |
50 | ![]() | 25 September 2009 |
51 | ![]() | 4 December 2009 |
52 | ![]() | 29 April 2010 |
53 | ![]() | 5 May 2010 |
54 | ![]() | 23 May 2010 |
55 | ![]() | 18 November 2010 [14] |
56 | ![]() | 18 November 2010 |
57 | ![]() | 19 November 2010 |
58 | ![]() | 20 December 2010 |
59 | ![]() | 23 December 2010 |
60 | ![]() | 23 December 2010 |
61 | ![]() | 23 December 2010 |
62 | ![]() | 1 February 2011 |
63 | ![]() | 4 February 2011 |
64 | ![]() | 4 February 2011 |
65 | ![]() | 8 February 2011 |
66 | ![]() | 8 February 2011 |
67 | ![]() | 14 February 2011 |
68 | ![]() | 7 March 2011 |
69 | ![]() | 8 March 2011 |
70 | ![]() | 15 March 2011 |
71 | ![]() | 20 April 2011 |
72 | ![]() | 27 April 2011 |
73 | ![]() | 4 May 2011 |
74 | ![]() | 4 May 2011 |
75 | ![]() | 11 May 2011 |
76 | ![]() | 19 May 2011 |
77 | ![]() | 19 May 2011 |
78 | ![]() | 25 May 2011 |
79 | ![]() | 26 May 2011 |
80 | ![]() | 21 June 2011 |
81 | ![]() | 27 June 2011 |
82 | ![]() | 11 August 2011 |
83 | ![]() | 27 September 2011 |
84 | ![]() | 13 October 2011 |
85 | ![]() | 18 October 2011 |
86 | ![]() | 15 December 2011 |
87 | ![]() | 20 December 2011 |
88 | ![]() | 21 December 2011 |
89 | ![]() | 22 December 2011 |
90 | ![]() | 26 January 2012 |
91 | ![]() | 21 February 2012 |
92 | ![]() | 22 February 2012 |
93 | ![]() | 6 March 2012 |
94 | ![]() | 6 March 2012 |
95 | ![]() | 14 March 2012 |
96 | ![]() | 18 March 2012 |
97 | ![]() | 4 May 2012 |
98 | ![]() | 6 May 2012 |
99 | ![]() | 7 June 2012 |
100 | ![]() | 28 June 2012 |
101 | ![]() | 10 August 2012 |
102 | ![]() | 17 August 2012 |
103 | ![]() | 10 September 2012 |
104 | ![]() | 11 September 2012 |
105 | ![]() | 13 September 2012 |
106 | ![]() | 20 September 2012 |
107 | ![]() | 2012 [15] |
108 | ![]() | 3 July 2013 |
109 | ![]() | 3 July 2013 |
110 | ![]() | 22 July 2013 |
– | ![]() | 1 September 2013 |
111 | ![]() | 11 September 2013 |
112 | ![]() | 2 April 2014 |
113 | ![]() | 31 May 2014 |
114 | ![]() | 17 July 2014 |
115 | ![]() | 22 December 2014 |
116 | ![]() | 19 February 2016 |
117 | ![]() | 1 July 2016 |
118 | ![]() | 29 July 2016 |
119 | ![]() | 27 October 2018 |
120 | ![]() | 28 September 2019 |
121 | ![]() | 20 December 2021 [16] |
122 | ![]() | 19 September 2022 [16] |
123 | ![]() | 21 September 2022 [16] |
124 | ![]() | 19 September 2023 [16] |
125 | ![]() | 19 September 2023 [16] |
126 | ![]() | 21 September 2023 [16] |
127 | ![]() | 22 September 2023 [16] |
128 | ![]() | 27 November 2023 [16] |
129 | ![]() | 15 March 2024 [16] |
130 | ![]() | 23 September 2024 [17] |
131 | ![]() | 24 September 2024 [18] |
Country | Notes |
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![]() | See Australia–Solomon Islands relations Australia became the first country to establish diplomatic relations after the Solomon Islands became independent on 7 July 1978. Australia is the Solomon Islands' largest developmental partner and a key trading partner. Following the outbreak of conflict between the Guadalcanal and Malaitan peoples in 1998, Australia led a multinational peacekeeping and developmental assistance force known as RAMSI, which operated in the Solomons between 2003 and 2017. [19] Australia is also a key security partner, signing a bilateral security treaty with the Solomons in mid August 2017. [19] The two countries experienced several bilateral disagreements including the Julian Moti affair in 2006-2007 and a 2022 Chinese-Solomon Islands security pact. [20] |
![]() | See China–Solomon Islands relations On 16 September 2019, after bribing government officials, [21] [22] [23] Solomon Islands parliament voted to end diplomatic recognition of Taiwan and to recognise China (PRC). Taiwan subsequently closed its embassy in Honiara on 17 September 2019. The new arrangement with PRC remained to be ratified on 19 September but is expected to proceed. [24] Following this move, a provincial leader had offered to lease the island of Tulagi to China in a deal that the attorney general found to be illegal. [25] In late March 2022, the Solomon Islands Government confirmed that it was drafting a security pact with China that would allow the deployment of Chinese military and security forces in the country, naval deployments, and the establishment of a military base. This acknowledgement came after a draft of the security agreement was leaked online. In response, the Australian and New Zealand Governments expressed concerns that the establishment of a Chinese military presence in Solomon Islands would have serious implications for peace and security in the Pacific region. [26] [27] [28] In response, the Chinese Government defended law enforcement and bilateral cooperation with Solomon Islands and disputed Australian criticism that Beijing was coercing Solomon Islands. [29] |
![]() | See Cuba–Solomon Islands relations In the late 2000s, Solomon Islands began to strengthen their relations with Cuba. In April 2007, the Solomon Star reported that Solomon Islands' high commissioner to the United Nations was soon to be sworn in as ambassador to Cuba. [30] In September 2007, it was announced that 40 Cuban doctors would be sent to Solomon Islands. [31] The Solomons’ Minister of Foreign Affairs Patterson Oti said that Solomon Islander doctors would "learn from their Cuban colleagues in specialised areas". [32] In addition to providing doctors, Cuba provided scholarships for 50 Solomon Islanders to study medicine in Cuba for free. [33] In September 2008, Solomon Islands' foreign minister William Haomae attended the first Cuba-Pacific Islands ministerial meeting in Havana, aimed at "strengthening cooperation", notably in coping with the impact of climate change. [34] In July 2014, Solomon Islands prime minister Gordon Darcy Lilo opened Solomon Islands embassy in Havana, thus becoming the first Pacific Island country to have an embassy and resident ambassador in Cuba. [35] |
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![]() | See Fiji–Solomon Islands relations In August 2008, it was announced that Solomon Islands intended to open a High Commission in Suva, [38] and in December the government of Fiji announced that it had "formally endorsed the establishment of a Resident Diplomatic Mission in Suva by the Government of Solomon Islands". [39] Fiji's High Commission to Papua New Guinea is accredited to Solomon Islands. |
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![]() | See India–Solomon Islands relations Diplomatic relations between India and Solomon Islands were established in May 1987. |
![]() | Diplomatic relations between Japan and Solomon Islands were established on 7 July 1978, the date the Solomon Islands became independent. Japan maintains an embassy at Honiara. [41] |
![]() | See Malaysia–Solomon Islands relations Malaysia has an honorary consul in Solomon Islands while Malaysia high commission in Port Moresby also accredited to the country, [42] and Solomon Islands has a high commission in Kuala Lumpur. [43] [44] [45] |
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![]() | New Zealand is represented in Solomon Islands by its High Commission in Honiara. [50] Solomon Islands is represented in New Zealand by its High Commission in Wellington. [51] In response to civil conflict within the Solomon Islands, New Zealand contributed defence and civilian personnel to the Australian-led International Peace Monitoring Team (IPMT) following the Townsville Peace Agreement in October 2000. Between 2003 and 2017, New Zealand contributed both military and law enforcement personnel to the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI). [52] In March 2015, the New Zealand journalists Nicky Hager and Ryan Gallagher reported that NZ's signals intelligence agency, the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB), was using the internet mass surveillance system XKeyscore to intercept email communications from several senior Solomon Islands government ministers, the Solomons Islands Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and anti-corruption campaigner Benjamin Afuga. [53] In response, the New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully sought to reassure the Solomon Islands Government's concerns about New Zealand's mass surveillance program. The Solomons Chief of Staff, Robert Iroga, objected to the GCSB's tapping of his government's internal communications, which in his view damaged New Zealand's image as a "friendly government" in the South Pacific. [54] In March 2022, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern supported Australia's concerns about a planned security pact between China and Solomon Islands; claiming that it would lead to the militarisation of the South Pacific. [55] In addition, the New Zealand Government unsuccessfully lobbied French Polynesian and New Caledonian officials into taking a position on the Chinese—Solomon Islands security pact. [56] |
![]() | Solomon Islands and Pakistan established foreign relations in February 2016, when high commissioner designate Naela Chohan, Pakistan's ambassador resident in Canberra, arrived in Honiara to sign an accord with minister for foreign affairs Milner Tozaka for the formal establishment of diplomatic ties. [57] A Joint Communique issued by the two senior officials remarked upon numerous areas of cooperation, including education, and policing, as well as bilateral trade ties. [58] |
![]() | Relations between the current governments of Prime Minister Derek Sikua (Solomon Islands) and prime minister Michael Somare (Papua New Guinea) are, at present [update] , cordial. [59] |
![]() | See Solomon Islands–South Korea relations Solomon Islands and the Republic of Korea have established diplomatic relations on September 15, 1978.
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![]() | Solomon Islands and Switzerland established formal diplomatic relations on 20 December 2007, when representatives of both nations signed a joint communiqué in Canberra. [61] Beraki Jino, High Commissioner of Solomon Islands to Australia, and Christian Muhlethaler, Ambassador of Switzerland to Australia, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective governments. [61] |
![]() | See Solomon Islands–Turkey relations
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![]() | Ukraine is represented in Solomon Islands by its embassy in Canberra, Australia. [63] |
![]() | The British Solomon Islands Protectorate was one of the last areas of the British Empire to gain independence. The official name was changed from British Solomon Islands Protectorate to Solomon Islands in 1975. Self-government was granted in 1976 also under that name. On achieving full independence as a sovereign state in 1978, the two countries immediately established diplomatic relations. King Charles III is, severally, the head of state of both the United Kingdom and Solomon Islands. Although the two offices are vested in the same person, he exercises his role as King of Solomon Islands independently of his role as the King of the United Kingdom, consequently, the United Kingdom itself has no jurisdiction in Solomon Islands. [64] Both the United Kingdom and Solomon Islands are members of the Commonwealth of Nations, and participate in events such as the Commonwealth Games. Bilateral relations with the UK remain strong. The UK's bilateral aid programme in Solomon Islands ended in early 2004 when the UK's regional aid programme came to a close. However, UK funding through the EU, the largest multilateral donor to Solomon Islands, will continue. The UK contributes almost 15% of the EU development budget in Solomon Islands. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office assistance to Solomon Islands is focused on security sector reform, good governance, sustainable development and poverty alleviation. Among the activities supported in the last two years are: education on HIV/AIDS, rural clinics, collective farming and empowerment of women. Sir Nathaniel Waena, the Governor-General of Solomon Islands, visited the UK in 2006 to celebrate the Queen's 80th Birthday. Assistance is also provided through the Commonwealth of Nations, whose budget is supported by the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom is one of only six countries to maintain a resident ambassador in Honiara, the High Commissioner of the United Kingdom to Solomon Islands. [65] The current High Commissioner, since 2016, is David Ward. [66] The British High Commission in Honiara represents British interests in the country and assists British citizens resident in, or visiting the country. The High Commission also funds local projects and assists in scholarships in the United Kingdom for Solomon Islands citizens. Solomon Islands is represented in the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium, by the Solomon Islands Ambassador, who is also accredited as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. |
![]() | See Solomon Islands–United States relations
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![]() | In October 2008, Solomon Islands prime minister Derek Sikua moved to establish economic relations with Venezuela, hoping to benefit from comparatively cheap Venezuelan oil. In a rare display of bipartisanship, Solomons Opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare praised his political rival for this move, stating that -in the context of the financial crisis of 2007–2008, it would bring down the price of oil for Solomon Islanders, and boost the economy if the Solomons imported crude Venezuelan oil, refined it and then exported it to neighbouring countries. [68] |
Country | Formal Relations Began | Formal Relations Ended | Notes |
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![]() | 28 April 2015 | 28 November 2018 | Solomon Islands recognized Kosovo as an independent state on 13 August 2014, and established diplomatic relations with Kosovo on 28 April 2015. However, it withdrew its decision to recognize Kosovo as an independent state on 28 November 2018. [69] [70] [71] [72] |
![]() | 24 March 1983 | 14 September 2019 | Solomon Islands maintained diplomatic relations with Republic of China (Taiwan) from 24 March 1983 with resident diplomatic missions in both respective capitals. In April 2017, Solomon Islands Deputy Prime Minister Manasseh Maelanga visited Taiwan and met with President Tsai Ing-wen at the Presidential Office Building in Taipei. Both of them discussed exchanges and future cooperation between the two sides. [73] However, on 14 September 2019, the Solomon Islands parliament voted to recognize the People's Republic of China instead of the Republic of China. The Republic of China in response cut all ties to the Pacific nation, closing its embassy in Honiara on 17 September 2019. [74] On 21 September 2019 Solomon Islands and the People's Republic of China issued a joint communiqué establishing relations. An exchange of ambassadors on both sides is yet to be made. [75] |
Solomon Islands is a member of the United Nations, UNESCO, the Commonwealth, South Pacific Commission, Pacific Islands Forum, International Monetary Fund, and the European Economic Community/African, Caribbean, Pacific Group (EEC/ACP)/(Lomé Convention).
ACP, AsDB, ESCAP, FAO, Commonwealth of Nations, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), IOC, ITU, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, United Nations, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTrO
Like its Eastern Caribbean neighbours, the main priority of Dominica's foreign relations is economic development. The country maintains missions in Washington, New York, London, and Brussels and is represented jointly with other Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) members in Canada. Dominica is also a member of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, and the Commonwealth of Nations. It became a member of the United Nations and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 1978 and of the World Bank and Organization of American States (OAS) in 1979.
Fiji has experienced many coups recently, in 1987, 2000, and 2006. Fiji has been suspended various times from the Commonwealth of Nations, a grouping of mostly former British colonies. It was readmitted to the Commonwealth in December 2001, following the parliamentary election held to restore democracy in September that year, and has been suspended again because of the 2006 coup, but has been readmitted a second time after the 2014 election. Other Pacific Island governments have generally been sympathetic to Fiji's internal political problems and have declined to take public positions.
The foreign relations of Japan are handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
Kiribati is a full member of the Commonwealth, the IMF and the World Bank, and became a full member of the United Nations in 1999. Kiribati hosted the Thirty-First Pacific Islands Forum in October 2000. Kiribati has Least Developed Country Status and its interests rarely extend beyond the region. Through accession to the Lomé Convention, then Cotonou Agreement, Kiribati is also a member of the African Caribbean and Pacific Group. Kiribati maintains good relations with most countries and has particularly close ties to Pacific neighbours Japan, Australia, South Korea and New Zealand. Kiribati briefly suspended its relations with France in 1995 over that country's decision to renew nuclear testing in the South Pacific.
Malaysia is an active member of various international organisations, including the Commonwealth of Nations, the United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and the Non-Aligned Movement. It has also in recent times been an active proponent of regional co-operation.
The foreign relations of New Zealand are oriented chiefly toward developed democratic nations and emerging Pacific Island economies. Until the late 20th century, New Zealand aligned itself strongly with the United Kingdom and had few bilateral relationships with other countries. From the latter half of the 20th century, Australia has been New Zealand's most important cultural, economic and military partner. Today, the country participates in several multilateral political organisations, including Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, the Pacific Community, and the Pacific Islands Forum. New Zealand has been described as an emerging power; however, such a claim needs to be considered in the context of its medium-sized economy and limited military capability. The country's major political parties have generally agreed on the broad outlines of foreign policy, and the government has been active in promoting free trade, nuclear disarmament, and arms control.
China, officially the People's Republic of China (PRC), has full diplomatic relations with 180 out of the other 192 United Nations member states, Cook Islands, Niue and the State of Palestine. As of 2024, China has had the most diplomatic missions of any state.
Vanuatu maintains diplomatic relations with many countries, and it has a small network of diplomatic missions. Australia, France, Japan, New Zealand, the People's Republic of China, South Korea and the United Kingdom maintain embassies, High Commissions, or missions in Port Vila. The British High Commission maintained a continued presence for almost a century, though closed from 2005 until reopening in 2019.
Foreign relations of Australia are influenced by its position as a leading trading nation and as a significant donor of humanitarian aid. Australia's foreign policy is guided by a commitment to multilateralism and regionalism, as well as to build strong bilateral relations with its allies. Key concerns include free trade, terrorism, refugees, economic co-operation with Asia and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Australia is active in the United Nations and the Commonwealth of Nations. Given its history of starting and supporting important regional and global initiatives, it has been described as a regional middle power par excellence.
Papua New Guinea's foreign policy reflects close ties with Australia and other traditional allies and cooperative relations with neighboring countries. Its views on international political and economic issues are generally moderate.
The Samoan Government is generally conservative and pro-Western, with a strong interest in regional political and economic issues. Samoa participated in a first round of negotiations with its Pacific Island neighbors for a regional trade agreement in August 2000. In January 2009, Samoa opened embassies in the Republic of Korea, China and Japan.
From 1916 to 1975, Tuvalu was part of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands colony of the United Kingdom. A referendum was held in 1974 to determine whether the Gilbert Islands and Ellice Islands should each have their own administration. As a consequence of the referendum, the separate British colonies of Kiribati and Tuvalu were formed. Tuvalu became fully independent as a sovereign state within the Commonwealth on 1 October 1978. On 5 September 2000, Tuvalu became the 189th member of the United Nations.
Tonga, by a modification of its treaty of friendship with the United Kingdom in July 1970, is responsible for its own external affairs. It maintains cordial relations with most countries and has close relations with its Pacific neighbours and the United Kingdom. In 1998, it recognized the People's Republic of China and broke relations with Taiwan.
The Cook Islands maintains diplomatic relations with various countries and is a member of multilateral organisations. While the country is in free association with New Zealand, which can act on the Cook Islands' "delegated authority [...] to assist the Cooks Islands" in foreign affairs, the Cook Islands nevertheless enters into treaty obligations and otherwise "interacts with the international community as a sovereign and independent state."
Oceania is, to the People's Republic of China and the Republic of China, a stage for continuous diplomatic competition. The PRC dictates that no state can have diplomatic relations with both the PRC and the ROC. As of 2024, eleven states in Oceania have diplomatic relations with the PRC, and three have diplomatic relations with the ROC. These numbers fluctuate as Pacific Island nations re-evaluate their foreign policies, and occasionally shift diplomatic recognition between Beijing and Taipei. The issue of which "Chinese" government to recognize has become a central theme in the elections of numerous Pacific island nations, and has led to several votes of no-confidence.
Foreign relations exist between Australia and Solomon Islands. Australia has a High Commission in Honiara and Solomon Islands has a High Commission in Canberra. The two countries are members of the Pacific Islands Forum and Commonwealth realms with King Charles III as their head of state.
The political status of the Cook Islands and Niue is formally defined as being states in free association within the Realm of New Zealand, which is made up of the Cook Islands, Niue, and New Zealand and its territories, Tokelau and the Ross Dependency. The Cook Islands and Niue do not have full constitutional independence from New Zealand but act as independent countries. Some countries have recognised them as sovereign entities and established diplomatic relations. However, New Zealand may carry out defence and foreign affairs on behalf of the two associated states when requested.
Solomon Islands and the People's Republic of China established official diplomatic relations in 2019. Prior to this, Solomon Islands had diplomatic relations with the Republic of China, otherwise known as Taiwan.