PINA

Papua New Guinea’s government says it’s concerned about its citizens in the Middle East amid widening conflict in the region but supports the attack on Iran by Israel and the U.S that has sparked the escalation.

PNG’s Prime Minister James Marape on Monday said he had requested Australia’s consular help to include Papua New Guineans in their contingency and evacuation plans, particularly in the United Arab Emirates.

The escalation of conflict after Israel and the U.S attacked Iran comes when PNG is growing its diplomatic and trade presence in the Middle East. A new embassy in the UAE was soon to open in addition to the recently opened embassy in Jerusalem.

Foreign Affairs officials were just about to dispatch to Abu Dhabi for the new opening, PNG’s Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko told RNZ Pacific, but then the UAE capital itself became a target.

“We’ve temporarily put the setup of the embassy on hold until a more positive and peaceful situation comes about in the Middle East, especially in UAE, as they’re being attacked by Iran at the moment.”

Tkatchenko said the government was still working out how many Papua New Guineans were in the UAE but didn’t put it at over a couple dozen, but he was concerned they should get to safety.

“But also, Australia has put out their hand, their assistance, in also assisting any Pacific Islanders or Papua New Guineans as well in this situation.

“We’ll work with our close neighbours and any of the Papua New Guineans that want to leave, that are there, we encourage them to be registered immediately and get out as soon as possible.”

However, he said with all the airspace now closed and borders closed, it might be a bit difficult.

“In Jerusalem, we have our deputy ambassador and his family there at the moment. They are in the bunkers, seeking cover and safety as required when the sirens and the emergency alerts go out, so we’re keeping a close watch on that.”

Marape said his “prayers and thoughts” were with PNG citizens and diaspora for their safety and said he would be writing to the President of UAE, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to seek his support for their wellbeing.

“It is my government’s hope and desire that an amicable truce is reached between all parties concerned for the total restoration of regional and global peace and security in the Middle East and beyond,” he said.

The attack on Iran was not authorised by the UN Security Council and occurred without evidence of an imminent threat.

Asked if PNG was concerned about the precedent this sets in other parts of the world, including Asia Pacific, Tcatchenko accused Iran of being a country that harbours terrorism.

“Papua New Guinea has always been against terrorism, and we have supported the United States and Israel from day one all the way through in their plight to tackle these terrorist organisations.

“I think there’s a lot more behind the scenes that we don’t realise, and the truth will prevail and come out at the end of the day. But at the moment, we have a country that is just about to launch its and expose its nuclear arsenal which we can’t have in our world, especially when they support terrorism.

The minister said the Pacific Islands region has “had enough of nuclear issues from the past” and was “against any nuclear proliferation in any country that cannot control it or that will use it for devious or other means”.

“So, in that regard, you know, we can’t work with countries that also don’t want to follow the rule of law internationally or domestically,” he said.

Tkatchenko saw some potential upside for PNG as a petroleum and oil exporter, given the expected spike in oil prices due to a likely supply shortage out of the Persian Gulf as a result of the conflict.

“It will definitely benefit PNG, but then there’s the other side, where fuel prices for the domestic market will then go up.

“Unfortunately, it’s the consumers that will cop it, the people, and they are the ones that end up paying for it,” he explained.

“So yeah, it’s good in one way, but definitely won’t help out people in the long run.”

Meanwhile, Papua New Guinea Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the temporary closure of its Mission in Jerusalem, Israel, following the escalation of the Middle East conflict.

The Embassy will remain closed until the situation improves and it’s safe to reopen the Mission, according to Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko.

“Land borders and airspace are closed at this time, restricting the movement of people in and out. People are under the bunkers for safety”.

The Australian Government and its Missions in Israel and UAE are offering assistance to Papua New Guineans in this situation, the Minister said.

The Vice-Chancellor of the Solomon Islands National University, Dr Transform Aqorau, says the escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran will have direct consequences for Pacific Island countries and has urged the region to stand firm as an “Ocean of Peace.”

In a statement posted on social media, Dr Aqorau said the situation in the Middle East is deteriorating rapidly.

“The escalating conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran is deeply alarming.

Missiles are flying. Civilians are dying. Oil tankers have reportedly been hit. The Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most critical oil routes — is now closed.”

He said declarations of success in war ignore the human cost.

“Some leaders speak of success. But war never has winners. The real cost is paid by ordinary people.”

Dr Aqorau warned that Pacific nations will not be shielded from the fallout.

“And the Pacific will not be immune.

If oil supplies from the Gulf are disrupted, global fuel prices will surge. For Pacific Island countries — heavily dependent on imported fuel — this means higher electricity costs, more expensive transport, rising food prices, and increased cost of living. Our already fragile economies could face another severe external shock.” said Dr Aqorau.

He said the region is already under strain from multiple crises.

“At a time when our region is struggling with climate change, rising sea levels, drug problems, mental health pressures, youth unemployment, diabetes, slow economic growth, and growing populations — we do not need more global instability.

We need peace.”

Dr Aqorau highlighted the Pacific’s long-standing position as an “Ocean of Peace.”

“Pacific leaders have declared our region an ‘Ocean of Peace’ — a commitment to unity, sovereignty, dialogue, and non-militarisation. This is not just symbolic. It is strategic. Our islands have suffered before from global power rivalries and war. We know the long shadows they cast.”

He said regional solidarity must guide the Pacific as global tensions rise.

“As global order shifts, the Pacific must look more to each other for solidarity and cooperation. Our strength is in regional unity. Our security must be rooted in development, climate resilience, and human wellbeing — not militarisation.”

Dr Aqorau said war shifts resources away from essential services.

“War diverts resources from schools to weapons, from hospitals to missiles, from climate action to destruction.

Peace creates the space for progress.”

He called for leaders and citizens to hold the line.

“For the sake of our children — their health, their education, their future — the Pacific must stand firm as an Ocean of Peace.

In a world drifting toward conflict, let us choose stability.

Let us choose cooperation. Let us choose peace,” he said.

Palau Senate President Hokkons Baules has publicly rejected allegations referenced in a recent statement by the United States Department of State, saying he has never engaged in corruption, taken bribes or supported criminal activity involving Chinese nationals.

In remarks addressed to fellow senators of the 12th Olbiil Era Kelulau and to the people of Palau, Baules said he was “confused” by claims that he was involved in corruption, associated with Chinese criminals or had accepted money from Chinese businessmen.

“I don’t know what corruption I am involved in Palau or outside of Palau,” Baules said. “I don’t have Chinese friends who are criminals, in Palau or outside of Palau. And I have never taken money from businessman in Palau or outside of Palau, or support Chinese or Chinese businesses.”

Baules said he stands by the oath taken when the 12th OEK was sworn in — to “protect and defend Palau, Palau’s Constitution, Palau laws and laws of its 16 states.”

The statement from the State Department also indicated that Baules and his immediate family are banned from entering the United States. Baules questioned the basis for the decision but said he respects U.S sovereignty.

“My question is: have I broken any U.S laws while living in Palau? I don’t know what U.S laws I have broken,” he said. “But it is okay. It is their country, so it’s their discretion whether I can go there or not. Anyways, I am not crying to go to the United States.”

He noted that he has traveled to Guam in the past to attend Palau Independence Day celebrations but said if U.S authorities no longer wish to admit him, “that is their right.”

Baules called for transparency and due process, pointing to letters sent by Senate Vice President Senator Stevenson Kuartei and Palau Ambassador to the United States Hersey Kyota requesting information from the State Department regarding the allegations.

He urged President Surangel Whipps Jr. and the Ministry of State to make similar requests.

“If such information is available at the U.S Department of State, have them send it to Palau,” Baules said.

“And if that information says I am involved in corruption, let the Special Prosecutor and the Attorney General sue me. If it is proven in court that I did have criminal involvement, let it be. Let me be put in jail for it, and I’ll resign from the Senate because I’ve broken the law.”

Baules also addressed concerns about Chinese nationals in Palau, saying the country maintains diplomatic relations with many nations and is a member of the United Nations, where the People’s Republic of China voted in favour of Palau’s membership.

“We all know that Palau has no enemy in the world. But we do have many friends,” he said.

He acknowledged that some Chinese nationals in Palau have been involved in criminal activity and have been charged and jailed.

He also noted that some have been placed on the president’s Undesirable Aliens list. However, he raised questions about instances in which individuals with valid Foreign Investment Board licenses were listed without charges or investigations.

“But despite that, we respect the President of Palau’s decision on that,” Baules said.

The Senate president stressed that differences between the legislative and executive branches should not be interpreted as hostility.

“We do have differences of opinions on some issues but having differences of opinions does not mean we are against the President,” he said.

He cited a recent lawsuit filed by the Senate against the president, saying it was intended to seek clarification on constitutional or legal questions, not to oppose the executive branch.

“We represent the people of Palau, so we have right to question the President when we have differences in opinions,” Baules said. “When that is not clarified within OEK, we go to court to get clarification.”

Baules also revisited the ongoing debate over deportees entering Palau under a memorandum of understanding.

He said senators questioned whether there is legal authority for the president to allow individuals to enter and temporarily stay at Palau Community College while seeking employment.

“The United States cannot send people away without a reason. There is a reason,” he said. “They are deportees. Why? What caused that? Just like our citizens who go to the U.S and break laws and get deported.”

He emphasised that foreign workers from countries such as the Philippines and Bangladesh enter Palau under existing labour and immigration laws, unlike the deportees under the MOU arrangement.

Baules concluded by urging patience while awaiting responses from U.S authorities.

“I want to let you all know, I have nothing to hide,” he said. “Our country has an open government, a government of laws and there is a process to follow to determine if a person is guilty or not, said Baules.

The Fijian Government is closely monitoring escalating tensions in the Middle East, including developments involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

In a statement, Fiji’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Sakiasi Ditoka, said authorities are keeping a close watch on the situation amid reports of incidents across parts of the wider region.

“The Government of Fiji is closely monitoring developments in the Middle East, including recent reports of escalating tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran, and incidents reported in parts of the wider region.”

Ditoka said Fiji’s diplomatic representatives in the region are maintaining contact with authorities and nationals.

“Our Missions and Honorary Consuls in the Middle East are in contact with relevant authorities and are maintaining communication channels with Fijian nationals where necessary.”

He confirmed that, so far, there are no verified reports of Fijians directly impacted.

“At this stage, we have not received confirmed reports of Fijian citizens directly affected by the recent incidents.”

The Minister noted that Fijians are living and working in countries including Qatar and other Gulf states, and precautionary measures are being reviewed.

“We are aware that Fijian nationals reside and work in countries such as Qatar and other parts of the Gulf. As a precaution, our Ministry is reviewing contingency protocols and stands ready to provide consular support should the need arise.”

Ditoka also issued advice to Fijians currently in the region.

“To Fijians currently in the region, we urge you to: remain calm, follow official advisories issued by host governments, maintain contact with family members where possible and Register with the nearest Fiji Mission if you have not already done so.”

He sought to reassure families in Fiji that the situation is being monitored closely.

“To families here at home who may be concerned, please be assured that the Ministry is actively monitoring the situation and will provide updates should circumstances materially change.”

Fiji is also urging restraint amid the rising tensions.

“Fiji continues to call for restraint, dialogue and the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Government of Solomon Islands has issued a travel advisory for its citizens.

“Due to heightened tensions and conflict in the Middle East, all Solomon Islands nationals are strongly advised not to travel to the region until further notice.

Solomon Islanders residing in the Gulf Region and Israel are urged to take necessary precautions, remain calm, follow host country authorities, and monitor reliable updates.

New Zealand is courting the United States to return as a major donor and diplomatic powerhouse in the Pacific after years of disinterest in the region from American administrations.

The push will ramp up in coming months and take flight at the beefed-up Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders meeting in Palau this August.

Winston Peters, New Zealand’s foreign minister, is eyeing bilateral talks with Secretary of State Marco Rubio ahead of the summit and believes his advocacy can catch the ear of President Donald Trump.

“We are working on what you might call linkages to get in his mental space on this issue,” Peters says.

He is a long-running advocate for Pacific development and has urged the US to invest in the blue continent on both strategic and humanitarian grounds.

“We want to tell them why it’s critically important and how in their terms ‘minimalist funding’, they can do so much in their front yard,” he says.

“Our job is to remind them that’s your front yard, just like ours.”

To this end, the 80-year-old is delighted this year’s PIF meeting will again allow greater powers to attend.

Last year’s summit, hosted by China-friendly Solomon Islands, closed ranks to all non-members including the U.S, China, Japan, the UK and France.

This was widely interpreted as a block to delegates from Taiwan at Beijing’s insistence, with the effect of barring the biggest donors to the underdeveloped region.

Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr has confirmed the return of these “dialogue partner” nations in 2026, with New Zealand and Australia cheerleading the shift.

“It’s critical because in the end, we need partners,” Peters says.

“They had a right to be there (in Solomon Islands last year) and that right was interfered with by outsiders telling the insiders at the forum what they should be doing.

“We’re not accepting that. So, this is going to happen in Palau this year; they’re all back and they’ll back in New Zealand when we hold the forum next year.”

In the meantime, Peters is privately scheming to engage the Trump administration, which has radically overhauled U.S foreign policy.

Trump and r Rubio have castigated old allies in Europe and disbanded USAID, which pumped tens of billions in foreign aid into poorer nations, largely in Africa and Asia.

Pacific island nations were hurt by the withdrawal but not to the extent of other nations given U.S engagement was already low.

Peters hopes to book a meeting with Rubio “very shortly” when he would argue for Pacific prominence in its foreign policy reconfiguration.

“We are going to go and talk about the relevancy of them needing to be part and parcel of the blue continent and not repeat what they were accused of by a famous man called General Douglas MacArthur,” he says, referring to the storied WWII U.S army chief.

“He says, ‘you are Euro-centric, you’re not facing and concentrating on your own area’. MacArthur was saying that then and we’re saying it again.”

Alongside his chase for deeper U.S regional ties, Peters is also embracing the new-era politics of Trump’s Republican party for his own political force: New Zealand First.

His populist party has adopted similar slogans and policies to the MAGA movement, including an embrace of fossil fuels, anti-immigrant rhetoric, a “war on woke” and a rollback of transgender rights.

This alignment has won Peters friends in the Republican administration but also highlights tensions between Peters’ populist politics and his role as New Zealand’s top diplomat.

As he rails against “globalists”, Peters is resisting calls to defund or disband parts of the UN.

New Zealand has not joined Trump’s Board of Peace but nor has it ruled out ever joining.

“We said we’ll look at it but we’re not joining now at the moment,” Peters says.

“There’s one thing I do know, and this is essence of conservatism: it is far easier to try and build what you’ve already got, or reform what you’ve already got, than to start something new,” he says on the UN.

Peters is leading a multi-partisan political and business delegation to Latin America at the weekend.