Solomon Islands and the United States have signed a Shiprider Agreement to strengthen maritime surveillance, protect marine resources and combat illegal activities across the country's vast maritime domain.
Signed in Honiara, the agreement establishes a framework allowing authorized Solomon Islands law enforcement officers to embark on designated US vessels to conduct joint maritime surveillance and enforcement operations.
Under the arrangement, Solomon Islands officers will exercise their authority in accordance with national laws and agreed operational procedures, particularly for activities within the country's jurisdiction.
The Solomon Islands government said the partnership will enhance its maritime enforcement capabilities by providing access to additional patrol assets, surveillance platforms, technical expertise and improved information-sharing.
The agreement is expected to bolster efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, transnational crime, illicit trafficking and other unlawful maritime activities while helping safeguard fisheries and marine resources that underpin the country's economy and livelihoods.
The government emphasized that the agreement is a cooperative law enforcement arrangement that does not diminish Solomon Islands' sovereignty, noting that the country retains full authority over its territorial waters, exclusive economic zone and enforcement of domestic laws in accordance with international law.
The partnership will also provide training and operational experience for Solomon Islands maritime and law enforcement personnel through collaboration with US counterparts.
According to the government, the agreement will improve maritime surveillance, strengthen intelligence sharing, enhance enforcement against illegal activities and expand operational capacity without requiring Solomon Islands to independently fund advanced maritime assets.
The government said the agreement forms part of its broader strategy to protect the country's ocean territory and marine resources for future generations.
