Fiji–Solomon Islands relations

Fiji-Solomon Islands relations are diplomatic and other bilateral relations between the Republic of the Fiji Islands and the Solomon Islands. Diplomatic relations are currently cordial, although the Solomon Islands government has aligned itself with other countries in the region to urge Fiji interim Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama to restore democracy in Fiji. Fiji and the Solomons are both located in Melanesia, and are both members of the Melanesian Spearhead Group. They also participate in other regional organisations including the Pacific Islands Forum. In August 2008, it was announced that the Solomon Islands intended to open a High Commission in Suva. [ [http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/news/stories/200808/s2334809.htm "Solomons considers High Commission in Suva"] , Radio Australia, August 14, 2008] Fiji's High Commission to Papua New Guinea is accredited to the Solomon Islands.

The earliest relations between the two countries came during the Second World War, when Fiji soldiers under British command fought against the Japanese in the Solomons. [ [http://solomonstarnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4019&change=103&changeown=87&Itemid=45 "Let’s celebrate our unique Fiji ties"] , "Solomon Star", October 11, 2008]

Today, Fiji soldiers are once again present in the Solomon Islands, as part of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI). [ [http://solomonstarnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4019&change=103&changeown=87&Itemid=45 "Let’s celebrate our unique Fiji ties"] , "Solomon Star", October 11, 2008]

There is a Fiji community in the Solomon Islands, notably in Honiara, the capital city. It includes both Solomon Islands citizens of Fiji descent and Fiji citizen workers and businessmen currently residing in the Solomons. [ [http://solomonstarnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4019&change=103&changeown=87&Itemid=45 "Let’s celebrate our unique Fiji ties"] , "Solomon Star", October 11, 2008] Similarly, there are Fiji citizens of Solomon Islands descent in Fiji, descendants of workers who came to work on European-owned plantations in the nineteenth century. Suva "has one of the highest concentrations of Solomon Islanders living overseas". [ [http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/news/stories/200808/s2334809.htm "Solomons considers High Commission in Suva"] , Radio Australia, August 14, 2008]

The Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Derek Sikua, was educated in Fiji and speaks Fijian. [ [http://solomonstarnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4019&change=103&changeown=87&Itemid=45 "Let’s celebrate our unique Fiji ties"] , "Solomon Star", October 11, 2008]

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