Tuvalu PM Feleti Teo in Nuku'alofa, Tonga for the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting. August 2024. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Lydia Lewis
Tuvalu - treaty
Tuvalu will sign a treaty with Taiwan later this week.
Prime Minister Feleti Teo is in Taiwan on a state visit and has met with Taiwanese foreign minister Lin Chia-Lung.
Tuvalu government media reported the signing of the Kaitasi Treaty is set for later this week.
It said this agreement is set to further cement and elevate the partnership between Tuvalu and Taiwan, and reflects the shared commitment to cooperation, sustainable development, and mutual support.
Vanuatu - law
New Zealand says it's working to understand the impacts of a law change in Vanuatu relating to foreign national security advisors.
The new law restricts the stationing of such advisors to neutral areas and embassies, and requires them to obtain ministerial authorisation before accessing government premises.
New Zealand's foreign ministry says the country has police and Defence Force staff working in close collaboration with Vanuatu agencies, at the request of the Government of Vanuatu.
It says it will work to understand the impacts of the amendment, which are not yet known.
MFAT says any concerns would be raised in private with Vanuatu, out of respect for the longstanding partnership between the two countries.
Fiji - leptospirosis
The Ministry of Health is reminding people to heed leptospirosis advice during the current wet season.
Leptospirosis spreads through the urine of infected animals.
The Health Ministry advises people to avoid swimming or wading in water that might be contaminated, especially after a heavy rainfall or flood, and children should not play in muddy water or puddles.
Symptoms of the disease include fever, headache, redness of the eyes, and nausea and vomiting.
Pacific - nuclear
Pacific civil society groups are calling for a halt to future nuclear testing by the US.
In a statement, the Pacific Network on Globalisation condemns reports that US President Donald Trump wants nuclear weapons testing to resume.
They argued the move is a blatant disregard for the Pacific's long-standing calls to end nuclear harm and risks, reigniting and normalising a global arms race.
Earlier this year, Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine explained how Marshallese people still face the impacts of US nuclear weapons testing seven decades after the last bomb was detonated.
Vanuatu - chemotherapy
Prime Minister Jotham Napat says the country will begin offering chemotherapy next year.
The Vanuatu Daily News reported Minister of Health, John Qetu saying a memorandum of understanding has been signed with Pacific Medical Services and Vaidam Health, two entities that will help establish new medical services in Vanuatu.
Napat said there are still many areas in the health sector that require upgrading, and providing cancer treatment locally is a major step in this direction.
He said as part of the initiative, a private company from Fiji will be setting up chemotherapy treatment services in Vanuatu next year.
Pacific - dialogue
The heads of public service from 16 Pacific nations are in Suva for a regional dialogue.
Fiji's government said FONO 2025 brings together 70 delegates to explore improving leadership, digital transformation, ethical governance, and inclusive workplaces.
Public Service Fale deputy commissioner Tania Ott said cooperation and shared learning are essential to strengthening public services across the region.
