Solomon Islands–United Kingdom relations


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

History

The British Solomon Islands Protectorate was one of the last areas of the British Empire to gain independence.
The official name was changed from British Solomon Islands Protectorate to Solomon Islands in 1975. Self-government was granted in 1976 also under that name. On achieving full independence as a sovereign state in 1978, the two countries immediately established diplomatic relations.
Queen Elizabeth II is, severally, the head of state of both the United Kingdom and Solomon Islands. Although the two offices are vested in the same person, she exercises her role as Queen of Solomon Islands independently of her role as the Queen of the United Kingdom, consequently, the United Kingdom itself has no jurisdiction in Solomon Islands. Moreover Solomon Islands has no jurisdiction in the United Kingdom. She also acts as a separate head of state in this way for sixteen other independent Commonwealth countries.
Both the United Kingdom and Solomon Islands are members of the Commonwealth of Nations, and participate in events such as the Commonwealth Games.

Assistance and relationship

Through its Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the United Kingdom is a significant contributor of developmental assistance to Solomon Islands after Australia, New Zealand, the European Union and China. Assistance focuses on climate change and the empowerment of women. Assistance is also provided through the Commonwealth of Nations, whose budget is supported by the United Kingdom.
The United Kingdom is one of only six countries to maintain a resident ambassador in Honiara, the High Commissioner of the United Kingdom to Solomon Islands. The current High Commissioner, since 2016, is David Ward.
The British High Commission in Honiara represents British interests in the country and assists British citizens resident in, or visiting the country. The High Commission also funds local projects and assists in scholarships in the United Kingdom for Solomon Islands citizens.
Solomon Islands is represented in the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium, by the Solomon Islands Ambassador, who is also accredited as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.