MIDDLE East tensions could cost Tonga’s national budget between TOP$40 million and TOP$50 million, as higher fuel prices and possible supply disruptions put fresh pressure on the economy.

A  CIVIL society organisation in Solomon Islands has called for a pay rise for Members of Parliament to be revoked.

A WORLD Bank-backed push to connect one of the Pacific’s most scattered countries has driven a 99 per cent drop in entry-level fixed broadband prices.

THE Asian Development Bank has approved $USD12.5 million in concessional financing for Palau to shore up public finances, improve disaster readiness and back sustainable growth.

NEW Zealand and Papua New Guinea have signed a new defence cooperation agreement aimed at deepening military ties, including more dialogue, training, exercises and personnel exchanges.

THE Republic of Naoero (Nauru) plans to establish an embassy in Israel and has approved a scoping mission to examine the diplomatic, operational and logistical steps needed to open an embassy.

TAIWAN is weighing possible economic steps against Papua New Guinea after Port Moresby ordered the closure of Taipei’s representative office, a move that could spill over into LNG trade and deepen an already sensitive diplomatic…

PEACE Corps volunteers could strengthen specific areas of need in Solomon Islands after Prime Minister Matthew Wale and US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau signing an agreement this week.