PINA

The Japanese Government has reaffirmed their solidarity and unwavering support to the Fijian Government for the advancement of regional prosperity and Fiji’s national priorities. This has been reinforced at the bilateral meeting convened Saturday between Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama, and Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hayashi Yoshimasa. Prime Minister Bainimarama formally welcomed Minister Yoshimasa on his first official visit to Fiji...

Japan, Fiji and Palau share the same concerns over a security pact China recently signed with the Solomon Islands, Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi said Sunday as he wrapped up a trip to the two Pacific island nations. Hayashi told an online press conference from Palau that the pact could have a "significant impact” on the security of the Pacific and...

A meeting of the Tongan Legislative Assembly will be held on 16 May to unseat two Members of Parliament from their seats, after their elections were voided by the Supreme Court in Nuku'alofa. The date for the meeting was announced on 04 May, before a third member of parliament had his election declared void by the Court. Three other election petitions...

Visiting Japanese Foreign Affairs Minister, Hayashi Yoshimasa and Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General have discussed regional affairs concerning the security environment of our region. The Minister held a meeting with Henry Puna Saturday. Yoshimasa says the relationship with the Pacific Islands Forum is important. The two leaders confirmed the importance of working together for regional peace and stability, including frank dialogue in...

The Pacific Collective on Nuclear Issues (the Collective) is calling on Japan's Foreign Minister, Yoshimasa Hayashi, who visited Fiji and Palau on the weekend, to reconsider Japan's plans to dump over one million tonnes of radioactive waste into the Pacific Ocean as early as next year. According to the Japanese Government, Minister Hayasi toured the two Pacific states to promote...

Australian officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) have used rare talks with their Chinese counterparts to raise “serious concerns” about Beijing's new security pact with Solomon Islands and to stress the depth of Australia's connections with the Pacific. Mid-ranking public servants from both countries held the virtual talks on the Pacific last Friday. The ABC was told...

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach claimed the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympics will be a Games for the whole Pacific region on a visit to the host city. Bach attended an Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) Olympics Unleashed event, which saw young people participating in a series of sporting activities. The visit continued Bach's Oceanian tour, following his attendance at...

Fullback Josh Moorby scored three tries and winger Wes Goosen two as the Wellington-based Hurricanes beat the Fijian Drua 67-5 on Sunday in a match which saw three notable debuts in Super Rugby Pacific. The Hurricanes unveiled a special new talent in 21-year-old No. 8 Tyler Laubscher, who had numerous carries and a key role in several of the Hurricanes’...

Coach Darren Coleman is a relieved man after the NSW Waratahs dug deep to secure a vital 26-20 Super Rugby Pacific comeback win over Moana Pasifika in Auckland. Tackle-shedding centre Izaia Perese starred as the Waratahs overturned a 17-point first-half deficit to keep their finals hopes alive on Saturday. Despite the defeat, there were still joyous celebrations for Moana Pasifika as...

Solomon Islands Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele has rejected claims that the security treaty with China provides for the establishment of a military or naval base. This came after some Solomon Islands traditional partners, members of United Nation, talked about a ‘red line’ and ‘responding appropriately’ should China set up a military base in Solomon Islands. There are even talk of invasion...