New Zealand and Solomon Islands sign new police arrangement

  • 30/06/2017
New Zealand and Solomon Islands sign new police arrangement
Photo credit: Newshub

Deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett has signed a $12.5 million dollar deal with leaders in the Solomon Islands, which will see a handful of Kiwi police officers remain in the country.

The regional assistance mission, known as RAMSI, is coming to an end 14 years after foreign security forces first arrived.

The intervention involved 15 Pacific nations and was in response to intense inter-tribal fighting that left hundreds dead and displaced tens of thousands.

Ms Bennett says the arrangement will mean support for the Solomon Islands police force will continue despite RAMSI coming to an end.

"This support will fund the deployment of eight New Zealand police advisers, who will help implement crime prevention strategies, with a focus on community policing, and ultimately help ensure that stability is maintained."

A further $6 million dollar funding investment was announced to revamp the community sports hall in the capital, Honiara.

Newshub.