Apia's town clock. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Jenny Meyer
Samoa - new embassy
A French embassy is set to be opened in Apia, Samoa.
In a joint communique, the two countries say this first French embassy in Polynesia will, in particular, contribute to strengthening the ties between Samoa and the French territories of French Polynesia, New Caledonia, and Wallis and Futuna.
They said the embassy will also facilitate the engagement of France within the Pacific Regional Environment Programme based in Apia.
French president Emmanuel Macron was in the Pacific last week but did not visit Samoa.
Fiji - beware of scammers
Fijians are being warned not to fall for financial scams where CEOs and managers are being impersonated.
The Consumer Council of Fiji has uncovered multiple instances where targeted consumers have given away hundreds of dollars through Vodafone's International Money Transfer platform M-PAiSA.
One instance involves a scammer impersonating Investment Fiji CEO Kamal Chetty, with a request to invest $500 FJD for double the return.
Consumer Council CEO Seema Shandil urged people using Whatsapp and Viber to be cautious.
Seabed Mining - no greenlight
Greenpeace says pressure to stop deep-sea mining before it starts is mounting, with a growing list of countries calling for a pause.
It comes after the UN organisation in charge of international deep-sea mining rules did not give companies the green light to mine, after finishing its meeting on Friday in Jamaica.
A Greenpeace spokesperson said more than 20 countries are now calling for at least some sort of mining pause.
Greenpeace campaigner James Hita said the world is fighting back against deep sea mining.
He said it was clear over the course of the meeting that the practice was not only reckless, but politically toxic.
However, Hita said the meeting failed to remove a clause that could allow mining to start before regulations are completed.
Solomon Islands - longhaul flights
The prime minister of Solomon Islands says he wants to see long-haul flights connecting his country directly to destinations in Asia.
Manasseh Sogavare was speaking last week at a ceremony marking the arrival of Solomon Airlines' new airbus (A324 H4-SAL).
The Solomon Star reported that Mr Sogavare said the new aircraft, leased from Jetstar, was only the beginning for the state-owned-airline.
Sogavare said the government was already planning the extension of the runway at the country's main airport to accommodate larger planes.
He said he expects Solomon Airlines to one day be able to fly direct to destinations such as Japan, Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, the Philippines and China.
Vanuatu - dancers booed
The Chairman of the Vanuatu Free West Papua Association, Job Dalesa, has expressed concern with the safety of Indonesians in the country.
It comes following reports of an Indonesian performance group being booed off the stage at the recent Melanesian Arts Festival in Port Vila last week.
In a letter, Mr Dalesa said Ni-Vanuatu people loved Indonesians but hated the treatment of West Papuans by Indonesians.
The Daily Post reported the Indonesian group had to stop halfway through their performance and leave for a nearby cafe.
Tuvalu - minister resigns
Tuvalu's Minister for Justice, Communication, and Foreign Affairs has announced his resignation.
Simon Kofe said with only four months left until Parliament dissolves, he feels it's time to channel his energy into completing essential constitutional review work.
He said this work, which requires nationwide consultations, will take up much of his time.
Mr Kofe said the change will also allow him to dedicate more time to projects for the Funafuti community.
The recently elected MP for Nukufetau, Panapasi Nelesone, will be stepping in to fill the position.
Papua New Guinea - new embassy
Papua New Guinea's International Trade and Investment Minister Richard Maru says the country will be setting up a trade office in Shenzhen, China.
The National reports Mr Maru explained an agreement was made for a new PNG trade mission to be in an exclusive office space in Shenzhen province, and open both county's private sectors to the other's goods and products.
He says to have a trade mission in China is a 'very historic decision'.
Mr Maru says they recognise that China is the economic powerhouse of the world, and PNG has a lot to learn from their experience.
Shenzhen and Port Moresby have a sister city relationship.
