Australia to boost police support to Solomon Islands

FILE PHOTO: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks to the media during a signing ceremony at the Australian Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, June 17, 2024. Lukas Coch/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government would provide A$190 million in funding support to the Solomon Islands to expand its police force so the Pacific Islands nation can reduce reliance on external partners over time.

Albanese told reporters in Canberra the funding deal showed Australia was the "security partner of choice" to the Solomon Islands, and would boost regional security.