PINA

Nauru's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Lionel Aingimea, and Chinese Ambassador to Nauru, Lyu Jin, officially signed an Agreement on Mutual Visa Exemption on 22 March. This agreement pertains to citizens who hold specific categories of passports from both China and Nauru. Under this new arrangement, individuals possessing diplomatic and official passports will benefit from visa exemption privileges, which is...

Pacific island nations will get a larger chunk of Australia's foreign aid as spending is refocused after the United States slashed its aid agency. Foreign Minister Penny Wong asked her department to compile a list of aid programmes across the Pacific and Southeast Asia that would be impacted by the Trump administration's gutting of foreign aid. Australia will shift AUD$119 million...

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape met in Wellington Tuesday, reaffirming the enduring partnership between New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. The Prime Ministers discussed opportunities to grow the trade and economic relationship, reaffirmed our close security and defence ties, and exchanged perspectives on current regional issues and challenges. “New Zealand deeply values...

The Pacific Islands Forum Troika met virtually Tuesday, discussing regional political priorities on the sidelines of the Special Forum Economic Ministers Meeting (FEMM). Led by Tonga’s Prime Minister and Forum Chair, Dr ‘Aisake Valu Eke, the Troika includes Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele. They were joined by Palau’s President Surangel Whipps Jr...

Tonga's Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of Finance, Kilisitina Tuaimei’api, opened the Special Forum Economic Officials Meeting (FEOM) Tuesday, with a call for unity in addressing the unprecedented economic and social challenges faced by the Blue Pacific. Chairing the meeting, Tuaimei'api acknowledged the complexities of a turbulent global environment, from trade disruptions to escalating conflicts, which threaten the fragile...

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has announced a minor cabinet reshuffle Tuesday prior to his departure for bilateral talks with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. The reshuffle sees Finschaffen MP Rainbo Paita appointed as Mining Minister, while Finance Minister Miki Kaeok will concurrently assume the portfolio of Transport. Jimi MP Wake Goi is now the Civil Aviation...

By Manasseh Maelanga, Minister of Infrastructure Development, Solomon Islands The ocean has always been central to the life and prosperity of the Solomon Islands, serving as our highway for sustenance, connection, and trade. Our traditions have taught us to respect the sea and navigate in harmony with its rhythms. However, our ocean is changing due to factors beyond our control. Rising...

Prime Minister James Marape is meeting New Zealand Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon on Tuesday evening in Wellington to discuss trade, investment, agriculture, fisheries, education and security as well as other areas of mutual concern between the two countries. Prime Minister Marape is on his first ‘guest of government’ visit to New Zealand, accompanied by his delegation including Foreign Minister, Justin...

Senior officials from the Cook Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Immigration (MFAI) joined with officials from member countries of the Pacific Islands Forum to discuss the Implementation Plan for the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. The Cook Islands has played a leading role in developing the Implementation Plan for the 2050 Strategy, which aims to drive regional...

Tonga- Pacific Islands Forum Economic Ministers and officials will meet this week on 25 and 26 March in Nuku'alofa, Tonga, for a Special Forum Economic Ministers Meeting (FEMM). The Special FEMM will focus on three key regional initiatives: the Pacific Roadmap for Economic Development (PRED); the Climate Finance Access and Mobilisation Strategy (CFAMS); and the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF). Economic Ministers...