R.S.I.P.F COMPLETES OPERATION SOLVAN SUCCESSFULLY
Operation SOLVAN completed. Photo credit: RSIPF.
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has successfully completed a successful bilateral border protection operation with Vanuatu law enforcement agencies.
The operation, dubbed SOLVAN, was conducted over a period of 14 days from February 21th to March 6th and focused on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in the Solomon Islands Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
During the operation, Vanuatu’s Patrol Boat Tukoro patrolled the Solomon Islands EEZ and conducted investigative fisheries boardings.
Patrol Boat Tukoro also conducted a three-day visit to Honiara last week to enhance bilateral communications and operations between Solomon Islands and Vanuatu in maritime security.
Vanuatu’s Commander of the Police Maritime Wing, Assistant Commissioner Tari Tamata said they recognize the value of the
bilateral relationship that is forged through this security arrangement.
He adds the operation allowed them to build a closer relationship with the Solomon Islands within the maritime security domain.
Meanwhile, the Commander of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force Maritime Division has described the bilateral relationship as important.
He says the Division is grateful for the support it received from Vanuatu’s Police Maritime Wing to maintain the maritime security presence in the Solomon Islands EEZ.
The operation was funded and supported by the Australian Government through the Defence Cooperation Program.