29 Aug 2022

Solomon Islands opposition claims PM's office declined request by US vessel

6:53 am on 29 August 2022

The Solomon Islands government's foreign policy 'friends to all, enemies to none is hypocrisy at its worst' according to the Solomon Islands opposition leader.

Matthew Wale's comments follow reports that a US Coast Guard vessel was unable to enter Solomon Islands for a routine port call because the national government declined a request for it to refuel and provision.

The leader of the Solomon Islands' opposition party, Matthew Wale

The leader of the Solomon Islands' opposition party, Matthew Wale Photo: Supplied

"Friends to all, enemies to none is clearly a joke, the Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, clearly treats the US and its allies as hostile nations. All our friends must be treated equally," Mr Wale said.

He said he's aware that the advice came from the Prime Minister's Office.

Mr Wale said this advice reflects the Prime Minister's apparent dislike for the US and its allies.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare

Manasseh Sogavare Photo: RNZ Pacific/ Lice Movono

The vessel, the USCGC Oliver Henry was on patrol for illegal fishing in the Pacific for a regional fisheries agency when it failed to obtain entry to refuel in Honiara.

A U.S. official said the vessel was unable to enter Honiara for a routine port call because the Solomon Islands government did not respond to a request for it to refuel and provision.

A Coast Guard press officer told Reuters that the vessel was diverted to Papua New Guinea instead.