PIF Secretary-General Baron Waqa says leaders remain committed to a face-to-face summit despite ongoing economic pressures. Monday 25 May 2026 | 05:30 Kaneta Naimatau Multimedia Journalist (Fiji Sun) The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders’ meeting in Palau will proceed as a face-to-face gathering in August despite rising fuel costs and the ongoing Middle East crisis. […]
Tag: Pacific diplomacy
Posted inPacific News
Vanuatu to sign Nakamal Agreement with Australia, Namele Agreement with China: PM Napat
PORT VILA, 22 MAY 2026 (VANUATU DAILY POST) —-Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat has confirmed the government will sign the landmark Nakamal Agreement with Australia, as well as the Namele Agreement with China. PM Napat revealed this in Parliament after Union of Moderate Parties (UMP) Member of Parliament for Tanna constituency, Andrew Wilbur Napuat, asked […]
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Uherbelau Approved as Palau Envoy to Taiwan in Unanimous Senate Vote
Lawmakers cite public health leadership and international experience By: L.N. Reklai NGERULMUD, Palau (April 23, 2026) — The Palau Senate has unanimously confirmed President Surangel S. Whipps Jr.’s appointment of Gaafar J. Uherbelau as ambassador to the Republic of China (Taiwan). Gaafar Uherbelau, President’s appointee to post of Ambassador to Taiwan, received full confirmation from […]
Posted inPacific News
China a ‘good friend, but NZ is family, says Cook Islands PM Mark Brown
RAROTONGA, 22 APRIL 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC) —Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown says New Zealand is “family” while China is “a very good friend”. Brown spoke to Checkpoint on the relationship between his nation and New Zealand. The two governments recently patched up a major diplomatic fallout that resulted in New Zealand pausing nearly $30 […]
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Uherbelau Faces Senate Scrutiny in Fast-Tracked Hearing for Palau Ambassador to Taiwan
Lawmakers raise concerns over medical referrals and evacuation plans amid rising regional tensions By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang KOROR, Palau — Gaafar J. Uherbelau, President Surangel Whipps Jr.’s nominee for ambassador to Taiwan, appeared before senators Wednesday for a confirmation hearing marked by an unusually fast timeline. The April 15 hearing took place just two days […]
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President Whipps Attends Pacific Islands Forum Troika Meeting in Brisbane Ahead of PIF 2026
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (Jan. 26, 2026) — President Surangel Whipps Jr. departed Palau on Monday for Brisbane, Australia, where he will attend a high-level Pacific Islands Forum Troika meeting this week as preparations intensify for the 2026 Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting, which Palau is set to host later this year. The […]