Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has become the first foreign leader to participate in Independence Day celebrations in Solomon Islands. Today marks 48 years since the Pacific nation transitioned from British rule to a sovereign state.
Addressing celebrations in Honiara, the prime minister said Australia had learned of the nation’s courage “amidst the devastation of war” and paid tribute to “the bravery, skill and sacrifice of scouts and coastwatchers” who helped report Japanese troop movements during World War II.
He used the address to talk up the treaty under discussion between the two nations.
Independence for Solomon Islands was formalised by an act of British Parliament but independence was brought to life by a thousand different acts of leadership, imagination and co-operation, from the people of these islands.
Because the sovereignty of independence is not a condition that one country can bestow on another.
It is a right and a responsibility.
Sovereignty, stability, prosperity and peace are not born of one moment in time.
They are built, maintained and secured down the generations.
Not just in the high principles of global forums but in the universal building blocks of a good life.
A healthy family, a secure home, a safe community.
The opportunity of education and the dignity of work.
The connections to region, culture and the great blue Pacific.
These are the continuing acts of independence that bring power, progress and sovereignty to individuals and nations alike.
I have been impressed by Prime Minister Wale’s vision to build a better life for each and every Solomon Islander.
And as we celebrate the past, we look forward to the future.
A future with a stronger, peaceful and more prosperous Solomon Islands.
As you continue your journey we also look to our own shared future, negotiating a new comprehensive treaty that will bring our great countries even closer together.”
