Jotham Napat is Vanuatu's fifth prime minister in four years. Photo: Facebook / Jotham Napat
Vanuatu - negotiations
The Vanuatu government is preparing for the first round of formal negotiations with France on sovereignty over Umaenupne and Umaeneg, otherwise known as Matthew and Hunter Islands.
Permanent maritime boundaries between Vanuatu and New Caledonia are also set to be raised.
Local media reported Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat has appointed the Deputy PM Johnny Koanapo Rasou as lead negotiator.
A delegation from France, led by Special Envoy Director Benoît Guidée arrived in Port Vila on Wednesday for two days of talks.
This first round of negotiations follows a working visit to Paris by Prime Minister Napat in July to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron.
The government has appointed DLA Piper to represent Vanuatu's legal interests as it pursues sovereignty over the islands and its permanent maritime boundaries.
As part of the visit, the Government will host a formal dinner to welcome the French delegation.
Tuvalu - treaty
Tuvalu has signed a new treaty with Taiwan, elevating their bilateral ties.
Local media reported the Kaitasi Treaty makes it more difficult for both parties to unilaterally exit the relationship.
On his first state visit to Taiwan, Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo said it's a significant historical moment.
He said it sets a relationship of cooperation between Tuvalu and Taiwan for the first time, with a legal platform giving rise to legal commitments instead of mere political commitments.
Tuvalu and Taiwan also signed two other agreements in an effort to enhance sport and fisheries.
Northern Mariana Islands - mining
Discussions over potential seabed mining in the Northern Marianas are intensifying.
The Commonwealth's governor is urging residents to weigh in as the United States advances early steps toward possible deep-ocean mineral exploration in the region.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has released a 'request for information and interest' on mineral leasing across the CNMI's Outer Continental Shelf - which is seen as the starting point for any future commercial activity.
Marianas governor David Apatang is calling on the community to respond, saying broad participation is critical as Washington considers how to handle the issue.
Solomon Islands - embassy
Solomon Islands is re-opening its embassy in Geneva.
The mission closed in 2014, reportedly due to a lack of funds to maintain its operation.
Foreign Minister Peter Shanel Agovaka has now signed an agreement with Switzerland to begin work on the mission, as the Solomon Islands seeks greater engagement with the UN and the World Trade Organisation.
It would make them the only Pacific Island nation with a diplomatic mission in Switzerland.
Agovaka said the process of re-establishing it's mission will begin early next year.
Solomon Islands - ecosystems
A new initiative in Solomon Islands aims to help businesses grow in ways that protect coral ecosystems.
Overfishing, coastal development, and land-based pollution continue to threaten reefs.
The 'reef-positive finance' pilot is supported by multiple organisations including the World Wildlife Fund, the United Nations Capital Development Fund and the Global Fund for Coral Reefs.
Susan Gardner, from the Global Fund for Coral Reefs' executive board, said this project will help local businesses grow in ways that protect reefs and strengthen community resilience in the face of the climate crisis.
New Zealand High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Jonathan Curr said Solomon Islanders depend on coral reefs for their livelihoods, cultures and for resilience.
