By Lucy Craymer
WELLINGTON (Reuters) – New Zealand has sent around 90 extra defence personnel and two military helicopters to the Solomon Islands to boost security ahead of the Pacific Games, which start on Sunday, the New Zealand Defence Force said on Tuesday.
“Solomon Islands asked for assistance to help ensure the Games are safe, successful, and enjoyed by everyone involved,” said Colonel Duncan George, task force deputy commander and senior national officer for the defence force contingent.
“We’re delighted to be here supporting our partners in Solomon Islands as they host this fantastic event.”
Defence staff would be working alongside their Australian and Pacific partners to support the Solomon Island’s police force with security for the Games, George said.
The extra staff will be in the Solomon Island’s for three weeks.
The deployment of more New Zealand defence personnel to the Pacific Islands nation, which struck a policing deal with China this year, supports New Zealand’s stance that Pacific security matters should be handled by those in the Pacific.
New Zealand has had defence personnel deployed in the Solomon Islands at the request of the country’s government since December 2021 when riots broke out.
In May, the government announced that the deployment, currently four defence force staff, would be extended until at least December.
The statement said the defence force contingent had been boosted to around 90, the majority of whom are air force personnel and will operate the two NH90 helicopters in the Solomon Islands.
The Australian Federal Police said earlier this month that it had sent 100 officers to the Solomon Islands to boost security for the Pacific Games.
The multi-sport event for Oceania countries and territories is scheduled to run from Nov. 19 to Dec. 2.
(Reporting by Lucy Craymer; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
