Solomon Islands–United Kingdom relations

Solomon Islands – United Kingdom relations

Solomon Islands
United Kingdom

Solomon Islands – United Kingdom relations are bilateral relations between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Solomon Islands

History

The Solomon Islands were one of the last areas of the British Empire to gain Independence. Unlike many British colonies, it became a British Overseas Territory. Citizens of modern British Overseas Territories have equal rights to British citizens resident in London. Following the independence of the British Overseas Territory of the British Solomon Islands in 1978, the two countries established diplomatic relations. The United Kingdom and the Solomon Islands share a head of state, Queen Elizabeth II, who acts as a separate head of state for 16 independent Commonwealth realms.[1] The Queen's Royal style and title in The Solomon Islands is Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, Queen of Solomon Islands and Her other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth. Both the United Kingdom and the Solomon Islands are members of the Commonwealth of Nations, and participate in events such as the Commonwealth Games.

Assistance and relationship

The United Kingdom is one of the largest contributors of developmental assistance to the Solomon Islands. The United Kingdom contributes around 15% of the European Union regional assistance budget to the Solomon Islands. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office focuses on climate change and the empowerment of women in its assistance to the Solomon Islands. Assistance is also provided through the Commonwealth of Nations.

The United Kingdom is one of the few countries to have a resident ambassador, the High Commissioner of the United Kingdom to the Solomon Islands, resident in Honiara.[2] The current High Commissioner, since 2016, is David Ward.[3] The British High Commission in Honiara represents British interests in the Solomons, and assists British citizens resident in, or visiting the Islands. The High Commission also funds local projects and assists in scholarships in the United Kingdom for Solomon Islands citizens

The Solomon Islands is represented by the Ambassador to the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium, who is also accredited as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

The United Kingdom also represents the interest of the Pitcairn Islands, a British overseas territory in the Pacific.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on June 18, 2015. Retrieved July 20, 2015.
  2. ↑ https://www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/british-high-commission-honiara
  3. ↑ "Change of British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands". UK Government. Retrieved 25 November 2016.
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