Nauru President David Adeang does not think the regional processing centre has done reputational damage to Nauru and instead blamed journalists for not being balanced in their reporting. Photo: Caleb Fotheringham
Nauru - diplomatic ties
Nauru President David Adeang says re-establishing diplomatic relations with China is paying "great dividends" and his people should expect more economic prosperity.
Adeang made the remark while in China earlier this month.
His government published the comments on its Facebook page on Thursday.
Nauru and China re-established diplomatic relations in January 2024.
Adeang said the relationship between the two countries is one of mutual co-operation.
He expects China to play a big role in developing infrastructure, education, health and renewable energy in Nauru, and said the nation feels "bullish" about its economy as a result of the partnership.
Adeang's trip included a stop in China's Guangdong province, where he has ancestral ties.
Papua New Guinea - mining
The importance of mining and petroleum to the Papua New Guinea economy has been starkly underlined at a conference this week.
The 2025 PNG Resources Week has been told statistics from the Bank of Papua New Guinea show that the mineral sector earned US$10.3 billion (43.9 billion kina)
This made up 85 percent of PNG's export revenues.
The Bank's deputy governor Jeffrey Yabom also raised concerns about the illegal export of alluvial gold from PNG.
He said there has been a sharp decline in receipts from alluvial gold exports over the past three years.
Samoa - election
A decision by a village in Samoa to ban political rallies by certain parties is illegal, according to the country's electoral chief.
Several Falelatai matai (chiefs) recently signed a letter barring parties from entering the village.
However, Eelectoral Commissioner Toleafoa Tuiafelolo John Stanley has written to remind them that such bans are improper.
Toleafoa said voters have the legal right to hear from, and question, candidates before making a free and informed choice.
He said elections are the foundation of democracy and no one should influence a voter's right to choose, and candidates can take the matter to the Election Court if access is denied.
Vanuatu - Airbus
Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat has confirmed a controversial Airbus aircraft deal worth more than US$16 million has been revived through high-level negotiations in France.
Napat, who led a government delegation to France last month, described the outcome of the mission as "very successful and very positive".
He said deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Johnny Koanapo managed to resolve key issues during a critical meeting with Airbus executives in Toulouse.
The Vanuatu Daily Post reported the deal, signed in 2019, involved the purchase of four Airbus A220 aircraft for Air Vanuatu.
However, it stalled due to financial constraints, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and subsequent political instability.
Fiji - travel
Travel and holiday website Expedia has put out its list of the world's top ten island destinations - and it features Fiji.
The 'Island Hot List' is based on data and traveller insights and said Fiji has come out as being 'best for community'.
Others on the list include Caribbean island Aruba for adventure; Jamaica, judged best for culture; Bali, best for relaxation; Koh Samui in Thailand, best for affordable luxury; Oahu in Hawaii for best surfing, and the Maldives for romance.
