Solomon Islands

US re-opens embassy in Solomon Islands

Washington had announced its intentions to re-establish its presence in the Pacific nation early last year, following concerns over China's security pact with the Solomons and greater interest in the Pacific.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the opening of the embassy "symbolises a renewal relationship" between the two countries.

Blinken said it also highlights the strength of their commitment to their bilateral relations, the people of Solomon Islands, and their partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.

Solomon Islands Raphael Lea’i to play professional European football

The 19-year-old striker has signed a deal with Bosnia and Herzegovinian club FK Velež Mostar.

Lea’i was at the club on a trial for the last month, and impressed in a match against Croatian side NK Neretvanac Opuzen that convinced Velež to offer him a deal for the next two seasons.

The club’s website describes Lea’i as “the first player in history from the Solomon Islands to sign a professional contract with a European club, and it is clear that a lot is expected of him in that country in the future, and surely the expectations are high in his new club as well.”

Search continues in Solomon Islands for two missing children

Solomon Islands police say three people of the 14 on board went missing - one female adult and two children aged three and seven. The others managed to swim ashore.

RNZ Pacific reports the body of the missing woman was found at Taura Point near Namuga sub-station.

Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Peter Siatai said the boat left Kirakira town to head to Na'ana Elite logging company camp site in East Makira on January 16.

Solomon Islands 2023 Pacific Games secures funding

However, Inside the Games reports the Games boss saying there will be no beer sales at the venues.

Solomon Islands 2023 chief executive Peter Stewart said the responsible use of alcohol is an important message that the Games can assist with sending throughout the sporting community.

But SolBrew beer will be used exclusively at Pacific Games VIP and corporate functions, both in the lead-up to and during the Games.

Solomons police issue warning on burning after 13 live bombs found

These bombs were detected when the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit (EOD) Unit conducted bomb detection on the runway on Monday and Tuesday.

EOD Team leader on the ground, Sergeant Celestine Telen, confirmed to the Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Vincent Eria, that the bombs were live which puts Taro at level A threat assessment.

Sergeant Telen confirmed they have removed the bombs and are keeping them at a safe site.

Fiji to face PNG in OFC Women’s Nations Cup final

Fiji secured the spot after defeating Solomon Islands 3-1 in the second semi-final yesterday at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.

The Solomon Islanders struck first via a penalty early in the match with Eileen Pegi putting them in front 1-0.

But it did not take long for the hosts to get to the score board after Cema Nasau connected well with a cross from Trina Davis to head home the equalizer.

Backed by the home fans, Fiji slowly found their way into the game.

Most construction for 2023 Pacific Games is done - Solomon Islands PM

Honiara is set to host the 17th Pacific Games, from 19 November to 2 December next year.

Sogavare said the Pacific Games was more than sport and draws the region together.

Almost 90 percent of the infrastructure for the Pacific Games was already ready, including projects gifted from China, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.

"I can assure the other Pacific family that we took our responsibility very seriously ... and we will also provide the best environment for people to come here to put out their potentials to win medals for their countries, Sogavare said."

Fiji held by Solomons as PNG win in Oceania Nations Cup action

Fiji took the lead in the first half when Vanisha Kumar powered past the Solomons goalkeeper Margaret Kofela.

But the Solomons, which was playing in its first Nations Cup game since 2010, gained an equaliser before half-time.

Jemina David was tumbled over in the box by Unaisi Tuberi and a penalty kick was awarded. Solomons captain Ileen Pegi sent the goalkeeper the wrong way for the leveller.

Fiji gained the upper hand in the second half, with Mereoni Tora twice heading wide and Kumar forcing a fine reaction save from Kofela, but their foes held on for the point.

Kiwis urged to 'go for it' as Solomon Islands, Vanuatu reopen to tourists

The Solomon Islands and Vanuatu will open on July 1, with Samoa and the Federated States of Micronesia a month later on August 1.

China says it has 'no intention' of building military base in Solomon Islands

He made the comments after arriving in Solomon Islands on Thursday — his first stop on eight-nation tour of the Pacific during which he is seeking a sweeping regional deal on security and trade.

The Chinese minister dismissed international concerns about the security agreement Beijing sealed last month with Honiara, saying it was "above board, with honesty and integrity".

"It is not imposed on anyone, nor is it targeted at any third party," Mr Wang told a news conference after meeting with Solomon Islands Foreign Minister, Jeremiah Manele.