Whispers
SO which diplomat funded a university conference on ‘Sovereignty in Oceania’, but then didn’t like the line-up of
Diplomacy
Friend to all, enemy to none: PNG launches strategic blueprint for next 50 years
PAPUA New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has introduced a comprehensive Foreign Policy White
Latvia and Fiji cement ties
Senior government ministers Sakiasi Ditoka, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, and members of the diplomatic corps joined
Trump says America needs no one’s help—Australia included
But Trump, who never ceases to generate more fodder for analysis, has just offered a new catchcry for his approach to the
PACNEWS THREE, 17 MARCH 2026
In this bulletin: UN — War-driven energy price spikes highlight value of renewables: UN climate chief2. COOKS — Cook Islands-New Zealand standoff ‘concerning but not beyond repair: Former PM Helen
PACNEWS TWO, 17 MARCH 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — NZ PM Luxon calls Sāmoa ‘family’ but defends visa rules for Pacific travellers2. PACIFIC — NZ, Samoa vow to combat flow of drugs through Pacific ‘super
PACNEWS ONE, 17 MARCH 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — Forum DSG Solofa warns climate change is Pacific’s ‘single greatest threat’2. PACIFIC — Samoan leader calls out great power ‘bullying’ as hosts NZ prime
PACNEWS THREE, 16 MARCH 2026
In this bulletin: 1. SOL — Solomon Islands PM confirms resignation of 10 Cabinet Ministers2. VAN — Vanuatu pushes for strong UN resolution to operationalise the ICJ climate ruling3. FIJI — Proposed
PACNEWS TWO, 16 MARCH 2026
In this bulletin: 1. VAN — British and Lithuanian arrested in major cocaine haul in Vanuatu2. NZ — Winston Peters signals wider Pacific visa changes after fee cut3. MARSH — From the Deep Sea to ancient
Taiwan–Tuvalu sign double taxation agreement
TUVALU and Taiwan celebrated five decades of friendship and cooperation, with Prime Minister Feleti Penitala Teo hosting a state
Matai title for NZ PM just courtesy
THE Samoan government has clarified that the recent bestowal of a matai title on New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher
PACNEWS ONE, 16 MARCH 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — Iran war on Pacific agenda as Christopher Luxon jets to Samoa, Tonga for meetings2. PACIFIC — CROP Heads meet amidst evolving Regional and Global Environment3. PACIFIC —
Pacific hosts first UN treaty law workshop to strengthen regional legal capacity
SUVA, Fiji: Senior Officials from Pacific Islands Forum member countries and legal experts from across the Pacific gathered this week at the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Secretariat for a Workshop on Treaty Law and
New Zealand PM to receive matai title in Samoa
NEW ZEALAND Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will be honoured with a matai (chiefly) title during his state visit to Samoa next
Legal experts meet for treaty law talks
SENIOR officials from Pacific Islands Forum member countries and legal experts from across the region will attend a workshop on treaty law and
Vanuatu takes fight to Trump
THE Trump Administration’s attempt to sink a UN resolution demanding countries act on the climate crisis has caused cuts to the
New Zealand reaffirms strong partnership with Fiji
NEW Zealand has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation with Fiji across key sectors, including defence, community development, and disaster
Taiwan shores up Tuvalu relationship
TAIWAN’S Foreign Minister, Lin Chia-lung, arrived in Tuvalu on Wednesday as a special envoy for President Lai
Climate mobility is not an abstract
THE Pacific region has taken a leading role in shaping global climate mobility and human security
Manele supports Zimbabwe’s security council bid
SOLOMON Islands will support Zimbabwe’s bid for a seat on the United Nations Security Council.Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele met
NZ prepares to help its people as US and Israel attacks Iran
NEW Zealand diplomatic missions in the Middle East are closely monitoring the conflict between the United States, Israel, and
US Deputy Secretary of State welcomed in Fiji
THE United States Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau, received a warm welcome this morning through a traditional
Pacific to host key COP31 climate events
THE Pacific Islands Forum will host key climate events leading up to COP31, Forum Chair and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele