The French government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Solomon Islands, with a focus on addressing pressing issues such as drug trafficking, illegal fishing, and demining operations in the region. This commitment was articulated by Véronique Roger-Lacan, the French Ambassador to the Pacific, during an exclusive interview with the Solomon Star in Honiara on Monday.
During a recent meeting with Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele at the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) held in Nice, French President Emmanuel Macron proposed the creation of the “Pacific Academy.” This high-level security training institution, established two years ago, offers comprehensive military training along with civil-military collaboration, police work, border control strategies, customs enforcement, judiciary training, and governance practices. These are key areas in which the Solomon Islands has shown a keen interest.
Ambassador Roger-Lacan detailed how two police officers from the Solomon Islands have already undergone military leadership training in Nouméa, with intentions for additional training sessions moving forward. The ambassador stressed the importance of focused cooperation regarding drug trafficking, illegal fishing, customs enforcement, and intelligence sharing, which aligns with the requests made by Prime Minister Manele.
Furthermore, the ambassador revealed that the French armed forces stationed in New Caledonia are eager to lend their support to the Solomon Islands, particularly in areas of civil-military cooperation that involve patrolling and safeguarding the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). France has already implemented a framework to combat illegal fishing, and the ambassador confirmed that the patrol vessel D’Entrecasteaux is scheduled to be in the area this June, which will facilitate opportunities for Solomon Islands officials to participate in joint operations against illegal fishing.
Moreover, Ambassador Roger-Lacan expressed France’s readiness to support demining initiatives in the region, addressing the historical challenge posed by unexploded munitions around Guadalcanal.
As Ambassador Roger-Lacan and her delegation prepare to return to New Caledonia, they continue to foster dialogue and cooperation between France and Pacific nations. This partnership not only highlights France’s dedication to enhancing security and stability in the Pacific but also fosters a collaborative environment for nations facing similar regional challenges. Through these initiatives, France reinforces its commitment to building stronger ties and cooperative strategies across the Pacific, demonstrating a proactive stance toward shared security needs.