The Agreement between Australia and Solomon Islands concerning the basis for deployment of police, armed forces and other personnel to Solomon Islands was signed in Canberra on 14 August 2017. The signatories were Malcolm Turnbull and Julie Bishop for Australia, and Manasseh Sogavare and Milner Tozaka for Solomon Islands. Twenty-three articles, two equally authentic originals in English. It is not the RAMSI Agreement of 24 July 2003, which expired when the mission withdrew on 30 June 2017.

The preamble recalls RAMSI, the restoration of stability, and the wish for a future basis on which Australia may assist in the event of a major security challenge, humanitarian disaster or similar circumstances. Article 2: at the written request of Solomon Islands, and subject to Australia’s acceptance, a Visiting Contingent may be deployed to assist with the safety and security of persons and property, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, or other mutually determined assistance. The Parties shall consult on the nature and duration of each deployment. A framework, not an operational itinerary.

Later articles define the Visiting Contingent (police, defence and other personnel, including from third States), the nomination of a head of contingent and the retention of national command, at the level of principle. Members enjoy immunities for acts in the course of official duties; Solomon Islands shall facilitate entry and departure. Article 18: withdrawal on written request, within three months, or on Australia’s initiative after consultations.

Article 20: Australia, with the consent of Solomon Islands, may invite third States to contribute. Article 21: questions of interpretation shall be settled by consultation or negotiation, and shall not be referred to a tribunal. Article 22: claims, at the level of principle. Article 23: entry into force on an exchange of diplomatic notes — 13 June 2018; indefinite duration, termination effective on the first day of the month following three months after notice.

It was Australia’s first bilateral security treaty in the Pacific after RAMSI. It was later activated at Honiara’s request; it is not an intervention handbook.

Cover: Parliament House in Canberra, the state building in the years of signature; we do not claim the signing room. Wikimedia Commons, free licence.

Sources consulted: Australia–Solomon Islands Bilateral Security Treaty; Agreement concerning the Basis for Deployment of Police, Armed Forces and other Personnel to Solomon Islands (ATS 2018 No. 14).