GENEVA (SPREP) — With just four days left to conclude negotiations on an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) is calling for trust, cooperation, and substantive problem-solving to deliver the ambition needed to end plastic pollution. “As we move into the final stretch, SIDS will not stand […]
Category: Pacific News
Posted inPacific News
Solomon Islands defends blocking almost two dozen leaders from Pacific Islands Forum
HONIARA (ABC PACIFIC) — Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has defended his move to block almost two dozen nations from a critical Pacific meeting in Honiara next month, saying he made a “sovereign” decision in the region’s best interests. Solomon Islands could try to defuse a potentially explosive stoush over Taiwan’s participation in a […]
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U.S begins talks with Cook Islands on seabed mining, gears up to compete with China
WASHINGTON/RAROTONGA (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) —-The U.S has begun discussions with the Cook Islands on the exploration of seabed minerals within its waters, in a bid to catch up with China, which has previously clinched a similar deal with the island nation. “Together, we commit to advancing responsible development of seabed minerals and global scientific understanding […]
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Guam looks into U.S plans of requiring up to $15K deposit for some tourist, business visas
HAGATNA (GUAM PACIFIC DAILY NEWS) —Guam, through its visitors’ bureau and economic development agency, is now looking into the potential impacts of the U.S government’s plans to require bonds of up to US$15,000 for some tourist and business visas under a pilot program starting Aug. 20, part of efforts to crack down on visitors who […]
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Palau backs Solomon Islands’ move to exclude Pacific Islands Forum partner talks until 2026
KOROR/RAROTONGA (RNZ PACIFIC)—Palau “respects” the Solomon Islands’ decision to exclude Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) dialogue partners when it hosts the annual leaders’ meeting in Honiara next month. Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has sent letters to PIF member states suggesting a move to restrict partners, including China, the United States and Taiwan, from the gathering next […]
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Marshall Islands President Heine calls out ‘interference’ in Pacific Islands Forum programme
MAJURO (MARIANAS VARIETY) —Leaders of the three Pacific nations with diplomatic ties to Taiwan are united in a message to the Pacific Islands Forum that the premier regional body must not allow non-member countries to dictate Forum policies — a reference to the China-Taiwan geopolitical debate. Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine, in remarks to the […]