PINA

In a significant move, Pacific Foreign Ministers have agreed last Friday to reinstate the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Panel of Independent Experts on the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS)-treated water discharge from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. The decision reflects ongoing concerns about Japan’s plan to release treated nuclear wastewater into the Pacific Ocean, a process that is expected...

New Zealand will support good governance and quality audit activities in the North Pacific, Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters says. “Promoting good governance and strong institutions is an important part of our development programme in the Pacific. We are pleased to be providing NZD$16.4 million (US$9.82 million) in support to the Pacific Association of Supreme Audit Institutions for its work,...

Palau's President Surangel Whipps Jr claims China is “weaponising tourism” in a bid to get the nation to sever its ties with Taiwan. Whipps said he has been told by Beijing “the sky is the limit” if they ditch their association with Taipei. “At the end of the day we have a relationship with Taiwan and of course that relationship is...

The President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) officially held his first ever bilateral meeting with a New Zealand government minister on Tuesday. The meeting was part of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Winston Peters', Pacific tour of the Micronesian sub-region ahead of the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders' Summit in Tonga later this month. The FSM is made...

It has taken almost five months for the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) to receive funding support from the United States under the Compact of Free Association (COFA). U.S President Joe signed into law the COFA agreements for FSM, Palau, and the Marshall Islands in March after a five-month delay. The U.S Senate has provided US$7.1 billion in funding for the...

By Jose Sousa-Santos In January, Fiji police seized more than four tonnes of methamphetamine during two raids in Nadi, marking one of the largest drug seizures in the country’s history. But while Fiji police made the seizure, they weren’t working alone. Such a significant law enforcement operation would not have been possible without the immense multi-jurisdictional, cross-border coordination between...

A leading academic in the Pacific says New Zealand needs to take a more proactive approach when it comes to drug trafficking in countries like Fiji. University of South Pacific (USP) lecturer Dr Annie Crookes spoke with Pacific Mornings about methamphetamine usage in Fiji and other countries in the Pacific. In January 2024, a large meth bust in Nadi, Fiji found...

New Zealand and Palau will cooperate more closely on oceans and marine resources, Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters says. “Marine resources are a critical source of food and economic security in the Pacific and are closely intertwined with the well-being and identity of Pacific communities,” said Minister Peters during a visit to Koror, Palau. “Palau is recognised globally as a leader...

The RSE scheme is central to our relationships in the Pacific and has delivered tremendous benefits to everyone involved, Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says. The coalition Government is supporting the growth of New Zealand’s horticulture and viticulture industries, by revitalising the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme and increasing the cap for the coming season. “We are making changes that can...

By Jose Sousa-Santos  A quick succession of drug busts in Fiji earlier this year — the seizure of 3.5 tons of crystal methamphetamine followed by another 1.1 tons — underscored the threat that the illicit drug trade and narco-corruption pose to the stability and security of countries and societies situated along the so-called Pacific drug highway. Following the first methamphetamine seizure...