The Visa Waiver Agreement signing charts a new direction for the advancement and strengthening of bilateral relations, economic and commercial interactions, promotion of tourism, support greater people-to-people interactions and part of a broader diplomatic effort to foster collaboration in various other fields. The Solomon Islands and Saudi Arabia have signed a ‘Mutual Exemption of Short-Stay…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Fijian peacekeepers in the Middle East are reported to be “safe and in high spirits” despite rising tensions in the area, according to the acting home affairs minister of Fiji, Filimoni Vosarogo. In a statement released last week, Vosarogo emphasized that the safety of Fijian peacekeepers is “extremely important” and…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Government and environmental agencies in Samoa are on high alert following a fire that caused a New Zealand Navy ship to sink off the south coast of Upolu. The HMNZS Manawanui, a specialized dive and hydrographic vessel, was conducting a reef survey when it struck the reef on Saturday night….
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Women’s leadership in Papua New Guinea (PNG) is frequently characterized as tough and challenging due to a variety of political, economic, social, and cultural factors. For instance, the 2020 report from the PNG National Research Institute Gender Program indicated that women political candidates encounter gender-specific obstacles, including stereotypes that undermine…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Five individuals sought by French authorities have turned themselves in at the besieged pro-independence stronghold of Saint Louis in New Caledonia. This village, part of Mont-Dore near the capital Nouméa, had been surrounded by French security forces, who restricted access to the adjacent provincial road by setting up two checkpoints,…
by Tusi Tasla, Staff Writer The creation of a Pacific Response Group (PRG) emerged as a key outcome from the ninth South Pacific Defence Ministers Meeting (SPDMM), which concluded in Auckland on Thursday. The three-day meeting was hosted by New Zealand, with participation from Chile, France, Fiji, Australia, and Tonga as member nations. The United…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer A former long-time staff member of Fiji’s parliament has expressed concern over the quality of political debates within the House, calling for stricter enforcement of standards regarding MPs’ behavior. On Monday, two MPs from opposing parties engaged in a heated exchange, resorting to name-calling and insults. Mary Chapman, who served…
by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer Japan’s new prime minister, Shigeru Ishiba, reportedly aims to establish a more “equal” alliance with the United States. Taking office this week, Ishiba is advocating for the presence of Japanese forces in Guam, as stated in a report by the Pacific Island Times. According to the report, Ishiba expressed that…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Pacific Island leaders have concluded the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), reiterating the urgent need for global action to address the climate crisis. During the assembly in New York, Tonga’s Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni highlighted the existential threats posed by rising sea levels, which he…
by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer Last week’s missile test conducted by China in the Pacific Ocean sent ripples of concern through French Polynesia, though a subsequent event hosted by China appeared to ease local tensions. The ballistic missile reportedly landed about 700 kilometers from the Marquesas Islands, outside of French Polynesia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)….