By Fergus Gregg In short: (ABC-Australia) Australia will deploy a team of drone specialists to support Nepal’s search-and-rescue efforts following devastating flash flooding. The latest figures put the death toll around 1,200, with the number of missing rising to 4,200. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Australians must “hold on to hope” as Nepali authorities search […]
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Pacific leaders urged to put unity behind 2050 vision
Outgoing and incoming chairs urge Pacific nations to speak with one voice while keeping regional priorities firmly Pacific-led. By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (August 31, 2026) – Pacific Islands Forum leaders are being urged to strengthen regional unity and ensure the Forum remains firmly Pacific-led as member countries work to deliver the goals of the […]
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Prominent Palauan businessman, Rechesengel Ignacio Anastacio, dies in Philippines
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (Aug. 31, 2026) – One of Palau’s most prominent businessmen, former legislator and traditional leader, Rechesengel Ignacio Anastacio, died Saturday morning in the Philippines, according to sources close to his family. He was in his mid-70s. Anastacio was the titlebearer of Rechesengel, the second-highest traditional chiefly title in Ngchesar State. […]
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Resident visa for long-term Palau residents proposed
By L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — A new permanent resident visa category for certain non-Palauans who have deep and longstanding ties to Palau, has been proposed to address the current immigration system that leaves some people who have made the country their home face the same uncertainty as short-term foreign workers. In a letter transmitting […]
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Forum Chair Whipps pushes for fixed annual date for PIF Leaders Meeting
By Elilai Rengiil KOROR, Palau (August 30, 2026) — Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting Chair and Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. wants Pacific leaders to consider setting a fixed annual date for the Forum, saying predictable scheduling could improve attendance and strengthen regional unity. “It’s pretty hard to speak with one voice if they’re not […]
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Australia pledges stronger support for Pacific priorities, renewable energy
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (August 31, 2026) — “Australia’s commitment to the Pacific is unshakeable,” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, reaffirming Canberra’s support for Pacific Islands Forum unity while emphasizing that regional solutions must remain Pacific-led. Responding to Island Times during the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau, Albanese said Australia […]