The Minister for Justice and Acting Attorney-General, Hon. Siromi Turaga, has reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation in the justice sector during an official visit to Honiara, Solomon Islands, this week.

Hon. Turaga and his delegation were warmly received by the Minister for Justice and Legal Affairs of Solomon Islands, Hon. Clezy Rore, and senior officials during a traditional Chuppu welcome ceremony on Wednesday, 12 November 2025.

In his remarks, Hon. Turaga expressed gratitude for the Solomon Islands’ hospitality, describing the Chuppu ceremony as “an honour that symbolises friendship, respect, and the strengthening of ties between our peoples.”

The Minister highlighted that the visit marks another milestone in the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the two Ministries in Suva in February this year, which established the Twinning Program—a key platform for collaboration, mutual learning, and professional development in the justice sector.

“Through the Twinning Program, we have created a bridge for mutual learning, knowledge exchange, and professional development,” Hon. Turaga said. “This partnership allows our legal professionals to learn from each other in areas such as legal aid administration, policy development, research, legal practice, legislative drafting, and the broader workings of the justice system.”

During the visit, which runs from 12 to 18 November 2025, the Fijian delegation will hold meetings with senior officials of the Solomon Islands’ justice sector, including the Judiciary, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Public Solicitor’s Office, and the Law Reform Commission.

A key focus of the engagement will be discussions on the Justice Information Management System (JIMS)—a digital initiative aimed at improving case management, transparency, and efficiency in justice delivery.

Hon. Turaga noted that the visit is not only about professional collaboration but also about deepening cultural and regional ties.

“Our shared traditions, values, and belief in community remind us that our work in justice is ultimately about serving our people and upholding their dignity,” he said. “Alone we go faster, but together we go further.”

The Minister emphasised that the collaboration between Fiji and the Solomon Islands reflects a broader Pacific vision of unity and shared responsibility in strengthening governance, the rule of law, and access to justice for all.

The official Fijian delegation includes senior members from the Solicitor General’s Office, Chief Registrar, Legal Aid Commission, Fijian Elections Office, and the Ministry of Justice.

Hon. Turaga concluded by thanking Hon. Rore, Permanent Secretary George Hoa’au, and the people of the Solomon Islands for their partnership and warm welcome.

“May this visit open new doors of cooperation, understanding, and mutual respect as we continue to strengthen the bonds between our Ministries and our nations,” Hon. Turaga said.

The funding for the visit was facilitated through the Australia Solomon Islands Partnership for Justice (ASIPJ) Program.