by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer The 53rd Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) has altered its final communique to remove a reference to Taiwan, after a senior Chinese diplomat publicly criticized the document. Organizers have blamed the wording on an error. The group of 18 island nations, along with Australia and New Zealand, convened in Tonga last…
Engaging with Russia and North Korea, and “getting along” with them, would be a “good thing,” former US President Donald Trump has argued. Speaking at an election rally in Pennsylvania on Friday, the Republican nominee touted his diplomatic efforts to fix Washington’s ties with Pyongyang, referring to his 2019 meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in the demilitarized…
from Solomon Islands PM and Cabinet Office A high level Government delegation comprising Ministers and backbenchers will leave the country this weekend for various strategic engagements in Australia. Led by the Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, Hon. Bradley Billy Smoky Rodo Tovosia, the 14 member delegation is down for…
by TusiTala, Staff Writer The United States has been attentive to the concerns of Pacific Island nations as it aims to enhance its diplomatic presence in the region, according to Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell. Speaking at a media briefing in Nuku’alofa during the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting, Campbell outlined various initiatives…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka wrapped up his 10-day visit to China this week, praising the “remarkable progress” made by the country under President Xi Jinping. Rabuka joins other Pacific leaders, such as Jeremiah Manele from Solomon Islands, Charlot Salwai from Vanuatu, and David Adeang from Nauru, who have also recently…
by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer In recent years, the child welfare system in New Zealand has come under scrutiny for its handling of cases involving the removal of children from their families. While the protection of vulnerable children is paramount, there are growing concerns about the actions of some social workers who appear to operate…
by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer The residents of Vanimo in Papua New Guinea are requesting funds to help prepare for Pope Francis’s visit next month. The Pope will be in PNG for three days starting September 6, primarily in Port Moresby, but will also spend a day in Vanimo. A spokesperson from the Catholic Church…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer As geopolitical competition intensifies in the region, Pacific island nations are actively seizing the opportunities it presents, according to a recent study released by a well-known Australian think tank. The report from the Lowy Institute, titled “The Great Game in the Pacific Islands,” highlights how island nations are capitalizing on…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer 14 incumbent Members of Parliament have been defeated in the election, which includes three former cabinet ministers. Out of the 27 MPs who secured their positions in the Maneaba ni Maungatabu, the legislative assembly of Kiribati, was the current president, Taneti Maamau. A total of 17 new MPs were elected,…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Just 10 days ago, Paris approved the mission when France’s top diplomat in the area delivered a letter from President Emmanuel Macron to the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) chair and secretary-general in Suva. Forum leaders had requested in July for a Ministerial Committee to visit Nouméa to gather information from…