Australian Federal Police are to assist with "operational readiness" at the 2023 Pacific Games ©Australian Federal Police

Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers have joined their counterparts from Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) to launch a Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP) for the 2023 Pacific Games. 

The programme is to help with "operational readiness and security planning" before the Games in November.

Officers were joined by members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) for a clean up of woodland areas around the police headquarters at Rove, Honiara, as part of a programme of activities to set the RAPPP in motion.

"The AFP has a long-standing and well-established partnership with the RSIPF and we look forward to continuing this in the planning, testing and operation for the Pacific Games," AFP Commander Solomon Islands Heath Davies said.

"The AFP continues to support capacity building within the RSIPF and is ready to provide specialist capabilities and support throughout the operation, in partnership with the RSIPF."

Australian police joined their Solomon Islands counterparts in a clean up operation to launch the Pacific Games partnership ©Australian Federal Police
Australian police joined their Solomon Islands counterparts in a clean up operation to launch the Pacific Games partnership ©Australian Federal Police

The official launch of the Pacific Games initiative included a parade towards the Lawson Tama Stadium, which is set to stage football during the Games.

Participants included Australian and Solomon Islands police officers.

Later this month, officers from the Solomon Islands are set to travel to Canberra to take part in an observer programme with Australian police.

The visit is designed to enable them to "focus on the planning and operational running of major events in a real time environment."

The 2023 Pacific Games is scheduled to open on November 19 and is expected to feature 5,000 participants from 24 Oceania countries.