Albanese says Fiji deal fully budgeted, not aimed at China
AUSTRALIA and Fiji have rejected suggestions their new security and development agreement was designed to shut out China.
News
Fiji, Australia redraws the Pacific security map with new defence alliance
FIJI and Australia have deepened their strategic partnership, with Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka saying Canberra has committed more than $FJD280 million in new investments since October 2023.
Albanese arrives in Fiji to reinforce Australia’s Pacific pivot
AUSTRALIAN Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Fiji visit on the back of signing the Nakamal Agreement with Vanuatu signals Canberra’s major shift in diplomacy and defence.
Tabuya calls for greater investment in blue carbon finance
FIJI has called for greater investment in blue carbon initiatives, with Minister for Information, Environment and Climate Change Lynda Tabuya urging easier access to climate finance for Small Island Developing States
Tonga receives second climate insurance payout for drought preparedness
TONGA has received a second parametric insurance payout of TOP$114,168 from the Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance Company (PCRIC) to support early drought preparedness efforts in the Niua Islands.
SPBD Fiji launches 2025 Businesswoman of the Year Awards
SPBD Fiji has officially launched its 2025 Businesswoman of the Year Awards. The Awards will be held under the theme, "Empowering
Business leaders urge investment in mining
FIJI’S private sector has called for greater investment in mining and clearer accountability on excise tax
Kiribati takes second Brazil jet from China
KIRIBATI has received the second Brazilian-built Embraer-190 aircraft promised by China in 2019 when the small Pacific country
Warning! Solomons braces for water shortages, rationing
SOLOMON Water has urged customers in four towns to conserve water after the onset of El Nino which can raise the risk of prolonged
Solomon Airlines opens Vila–Christchurch route
VANUATU has a second gateway to New Zealand with the introduction of a Port Vila-Christchurch service by Solomon
Tuvalu and Australia launch WWII ordnance survey in Nanumea Lagoon
TUVALU and Australia have launched Operation RENDER SAFE 2026, a technical reconnaissance mission aimed at identifying unexploded World War II ordnance in Nanumea Lagoon.
Timor-Leste becomes FSM’s 105th diplomatic partner
THE Federated States of Micronesia and the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste formally established diplomatic relations on June 24
PNG Chiefs to drive unity, tourism and investment, Marape says
PAPUA New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape says the country’s new National Rugby League franchise will be used as a platform for national unity, Pacific ties and economic growth.
Forum Troika leaders focus on regional reforms ahead of Palau summit
PACIFIC Islands Forum (PIF) Troika leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening regional governance and Pacific unity as they prepare for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau later this
Vanuatu Chiefs challenge Canberra deal over use of ‘Nakamal’ name
THE Vanuatu Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs has raised fresh objections to the use of the word “Nakamal” in Vanuatu’s new bilateral agreement with Australia.
Fiji and Solomon Islands reaffirm commitment to Pacific cooperation
FIJI and the Solomon Islands have reaffirmed their longstanding partnership, pledging to deepen cooperation on shared regional priorities and to strengthen Pacific solidarity amid growing regional and global challenges.
Crushing season collapses into dispute at Fiji’s key sugar mills
SUGAR has been a cornerstone of Fiji’s economy and society for more than a century, evolving from early trial plantings in the 1860s into a major export industry.
Kickboxing tournament in PNG showcases path away from drugs and crime
PAPUA New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister James Marape has hailed kickboxing as a powerful tool for steering young Papua New Guineans away from crime, drugs and social
US marks 250 years of independence, signals deeper Fiji partnership
THE United States Embassy in Suva has marked America’s 250th anniversary of independence with a major diplomatic celebration in Fiji, using the occasion to highlight what it says is a deepening partnership with Fiji
Pacific security race heats up as Australia and China court Vanuatu
CHINA has pushed back against Australia’s new security pact with Vanuatu, warning that bilateral agreements in the Pacific should not be aimed at third countries.
Marape says new electoral chief will support PNG vote reforms
PAPUA New Guinea says the appointment of Dr Nicole Haley as Electoral Commissioner is the opening move in a broader reset ahead of the 2027 national vote.
The Pacific cannot reimagine the ocean without speaking to its scars
CONVERSATIONS are a big deal in the Pacific. Sometimes the hardest decisions are made without words at all, carried in the spaces between, the silences, and the relationships in the room.
Taiwan backs Blue Pacific Strategy
TAIWAN continues to demonstrate solid commitment to its partnership with Pacific Island Forum member states. This is after yesterday handing over $USD2 million in funding for development cooperation at the Secretariat
