4 April 2007
TSUNAMI - AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES TO PRIME MINISTER SOGAVARE
On 3 April, Australia’s Prime Minister John Howard called Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare to convey the concern and sympathy of the Australian Government and people for the tragic loss of life and serious damage caused by the earthquakes and tsunami in Solomon Islands Western and Choiseul provinces.
Mr Howard referred to Australia's initial offer of up to AUD2 million in emergency and reconstruction assistance to Solomon Islands. The Prime Ministers agreed that Australia and Solomon Islands would continue to work very closely on the response to the disaster.
Following the telephone conversation, Mr Howard stated that if there was further assistance that could reasonably be provided, Australia would be willing to do so.
“This is very much a situation where the friends of the Solomon Islands people, and Australia and Australians certainly fall into that category, should be ready to help”, said Mr Howard.