Australian Government appoints new High Commissioner to Solomon Islands

The Australian Government has appointed a new High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, just after a mere four months since the expulsion of the former High Commissioner Patrick Cole for allegations of involvement in local issues that may undermine the sovereignty of the island nation.

The new Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands is his Excellency Mr Peter Hooton who is expected to take over the position as early as later this month. He will replace Patrick Cole, whose expulsion in September last year prompted ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two countries and mixed reactions amongst Solomon Islanders and commentators.

It is understood that this new unexpected move by the government of Australia is a big step in mending the differences between Solomon Islands and Australia. A considerable number of people initially thought that with the recent banning of former Police Commissioner Shane Castles, the relationship between the two countries would deteriorate further. However, the recent action by the government of Australia in consultation with the Solomon Islands government is a step in the right direction that most, if not all Solomon Islanders, would genuinely appreciate.

Source:ABC