New Zealand rethinks opposition to deep-sea mining
New Zealand is considering withdrawing its support for an international ban on deep-sea mining, the country's resources minister told AFP on Tuesday.
Resources Minister Shane Jones said opposition to the fledgling industry was rooted in “shrill” environmental alarmism and “luxury beliefs” that ignored the need for economic growth.
New Zealand backed a ban on deep-sea mining under former progressive prime minister...
PNG PM Marape congratulates new Vanuatu PM Napat
Prime Minister James Marape on behalf of the Government and people of Papua New Guinea, has extended his congratulations to Jotham Napat on his election as the Prime Minister of Vanuatu Tuesday.
Prime Minister Marape acknowledges the enduring relationship between Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu, built upon shared Melanesian heritage, cultural bonds, and a mutual commitment to regional collaboration.
“Papua New...
French Overseas Minister Manuel Valls to visit Nouméa for key political talks
French Minister for Overseas Manuel Valls has announced he will travel to New Caledonia on 22 February to pursue talks on the French territory's political future.
This comes following preliminary talks held last week in Paris in “bilateral” mode with a wide range of political stakeholders.
The talks, which included pro-independence and pro-France parties, were said to have “allowed to restore...
Aussie sports praise Pacific Olympic deal
As part of its sports diplomacy programme, the extension will continue to support Pacific athletes with high-performance training, elite competition, and travel, building on the success of Australia’s involvement in high-profile Pacific sports achievements at Paris 2024.
The programme will further raise regional awareness and deliver additional benefits to PacificAus Sports' mission of enhancing Australia's influence in the region.
Welcoming the...
Jotham Napat elected Vanuatu’s new Prime Minister
Jotham Napat has been elected as Vanuatu’s new Prime Minister, securing the top post unopposed Tuesday.
Former Prime Minister Charlot Salwai, leader of the Reunification Movement for Change, nominated Napat, the MP for Tanna.
The nomination was seconded by Graon Mo Jastis Pati leader, Ralph Regenvanu.
Ishmael Kalsakau, an MP for Port Vila and former prime minister, confirmed there were no other...
PNG achieves milestone in maritime sovereignty
The Papua New Guinea Government has reached a landmark achievement with the formal submission of its geographical co-ordinates under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
This submission reaffirms PNG’s territorial boundaries and maritime zones, securing its economic and strategic interests.
This development is particularly significant as PNG celebrates its 50th year of independence, marking almost five...
Fiji government upholds media freedom, Media leaders gather in Suva
The Fiji coalition government has kept to its promise to ensure there is media freedom and its first step was to repeal the oppressive Media Industry Development Act.
Acting Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad said the government also ended the business of exclusive government contracts to selected media companies.
While opening the annual Pacific Media Partnership Conference (PMPC) in Suva Tuesday,...
PNG Central Bank Chief appointed amid money laundering investigation
Elizabeth Genia was appointed governor of the Bank of Papua New Guinea despite fighting in court to block a police investigation into suspected money laundering.
She has not been charged.
The acting head of Papua New Guinea's central bank was the subject of a police investigation for suspected money laundering when she was permanently appointed to the position in early 2024,...
New Zealand voices renewed concern as Cook Islands PM eyes agreement with China
New Zealand expressed renewed concern on Monday about the Cook Islands' prime minister travelling to China this week to sign agreements without properly consulting with Wellington despite the two nations' constitutional ties.
New Zealand has become increasingly cautious about China’s growing presence in the Pacific region and the potential threats it poses to the country’s national security.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon...
Pacific Islands Forum Champions Gender Equality and Social Inclusion through GESI Week
The Pacific Islands Forum in partnership with CROP agencies and key development partners, is facilitating a Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) week from 10 to 14 February 2025 as a dedicated platform to strengthen gender equality and social inclusion across the Blue Pacific.
This initiative also underscores the power of collaboration among CROP agencies, UN partners, and civil society...