Tongans line the viewing deck draped in the black and purple of mourning to watch the casket carrying the body of King George Tupou V arrive at Fua'amotu International Airport on March 26, 2012 from Hong Kong. Photo: AFP PHOTO / Torsten BLACKWOOD
Tonga - airport
Japan is providing Tonga with a US$17.7million airport upgrade.
PMN reported the initial request for the upgrade was made by Tonga in 2022, following a detailed study by Japan.
A grant aid of US$17.7m was approved in August for Fua'amotu International Airport in Tongatapu.
The upgrade includes expanding and renovating the passenger terminal building and a passenger boarding air-bridge and elevator.
The international apron will also be expanded.
Japan is also giving Tonga a US$6m e-passport grant.
Pacific/Taiwan - forum
Taiwan media is reporting a promise to assist Palau in preparing for next year's Pacific Islands Forum.
Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung said Taiwan would do so as part of the diplomatic allies prosperity project, to showcase the results of bilateral cooperation to the world.
Lin said Palau is Taiwan's closest diplomatic ally.
Taiwan has diplomatic relations with 11 UN member states.
According to a report from the Lowy Institute in January, nearly three-quarters of countries supported Beijing's position that Taiwan is part of China.
Fiji - arrest
A 41-year-old man has been arrested in Fiji after allegedly trying to bribe a police officer.
The man was a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped for a routine check, and is accused of offering FJ$200 to the officer to release the vehicle.
A search resulted in the discovery of dried leaves believed to be marijuana.
The seized substances were sent for analysis.
Palau - state election
Koror State voters in Palau will head to the polls in mid-November to elect members of the state's Legislature and the governor.
The Island Times reported this has been confirmed by the Palau Election Commission
The Legislature is made up of one representative from each hamlet and five at-large seats, totaling 17.
The governor's race will also be on the ballot, with incumbent governor Eyos Rudimch seeking re-election against challenger Alan Marbou, a former contender for the seat.
As of 24 September there were 5,971 registered voters in Koror.
Samoa - climate
Samoa has validated its third nationally determined contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement.
Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment CEO Lealaisalanoa Frances Brown-Reupena said it's not just a policy exercise but "a shared vision for a resilient, low-carbon Samoa".
She said Samoa's emissions are less than 0.01 percent of global totals, but by advancing a credible, inclusive, and ambitious NDC, the country strengthens its moral authority in international climate negotiations.
