Australia, New Zealand back Pacific Response Mechanism plan
PACIFIC Ministers have taken the first concrete step toward creating a regional mechanism to help member
Diplomacy
Pacific Ministers approve Middle East peace statement
PACIFIC foreign ministers have approved a statement on peace in the Middle East, moving the documents to member
PIFS continues in-person meetings despite costs and fuel worries
THE Pacific Islands Forum (PIFS) is pushing ahead with in-person regional meetings despite mounting financial and
Australia’s 4Rs and development cooperation
DEVELOPMENT cooperation is no longer the soft edge of foreign policy. It is now uniquely suited to
FLNKS delegation causes controversy in Port Vila
A DIPLOMATIC row has erupted after Vanuatu invited an FLNKS delegation led by Christian Tein to a forum in Port
Iran war, fuel woe: Iran watches the Pacific and hits when the time is right
THE war in Iran has sent shockwaves to the other side of the globe, affecting Pacific aviation, tourism, energy prices and
Vanuatu rejects China security suggestions
VANUATU’S Prime Minister, Jotham Napat, has refuted reports that his country is about to sign a security agreement with
Vanuatu and India strengthen cooperation
VANUATU is set to receive a visit from India's Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles, Pabitra
Former Fijian President passes away
FORMER Fijian President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau has passed away, aged 84. The career soldier, turned
Whispers
SO which diplomat funded a university conference on ‘Sovereignty in Oceania’, but then didn’t like the line-up of
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
