STORY
HMS Tamar has returned to Honiara in a visit intended to underline the UK’s relationship with Solomon Islands. The Government said the ship would first anchor at Tulagi, the historic site where the British Protectorate established the first capital of Solomon Islands.
British High Commissioner Paul Turner said the visit showed the importance the UK attaches to its relationship with Solomon Islands and to closer cooperation on issues such as maritime security. The visit follows earlier UK engagement in the region, including the role of HMS Tamar and HMS Spey in supporting partnerships in the Pacific.
The Government said HMS Tamar can support a range of tasks, including deterring illegal fishing, intercepting drug traffickers and providing humanitarian assistance after disasters. The visit forms part of wider UK foreign policy engagement with Commonwealth and Pacific partners.