Photo: RNZ Pacific/Moera Tuilaepa-Taylor
Samoa - parliament
Samoa's 18th Parliament opened on Monday for its first sitting since the August general election.
Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Polataivao Schmidt was not in attendance, as he remains in New Zealand for medical treatment.
Deputy Prime Minister Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo led proceedings in his absence.
The session focused on setting meeting times, confirming members for each parliamentary committee, and the first reading of the new budget.
It marked the start of the government's first full term after an early general election which was triggered by the former minority government failing to pass its budget after months of political turmoil.
Fiji - fish
Fiji is looking at a deal for fishing access to tuna-rich waters in the exclusive economic zones of Tuvalu and Kiribati.
The nation's state broadcaster reports Fisheries Minister Alitia Banivalu calling the negotiations "of paramount national importance".
With climate change driving tuna stocks further north and east into the Exclusive Economic Zones of neighboring Pacific nations, Banivalu said that Fiji is seeking special access arrangements to ensure a stable supply of raw tuna.
Guam - climate
Guam human rights lawyer Julian Aguon is sharing a Right Livelihood Award alongside students who brought climate justice to the world's highest court.
In July the International Court of Justice found countries can be held legally responsible for greenhouse gas emissions.
Aguon played a central role in securing the court's advisory opinion.
The award has been dubbed the alternative Nobel prize and has been running since 1980.
Fiji/Australia - security
Fiji and Australia have reaffirmed their growing security partnership by committing to closer defence ties.
Fiji's Minister for Defence Pio Tikoduadua and Australia's Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles held the annual Fiji-Australia Defence Ministers' meeting in Suva.
Both Ministers said they welcome the negotiations to elevate the existing Vuvale Partnership to a treaty.
They said the two defence organisations will continue to work closely together.
Guam - air bridges
The US Federal Aviation Administration has given the Guam International Airport Authority US$10.4 million for the reconstruction of passenger loading bridges.
The airport authority said the money will also cover the assessment and design to improve accessibility for those with disabilities, and for a fire alarm and suppression system.
The Pacific Island Times reported the funding addresses reconstruction of five of the 19 loading bridges at the main terminal.
The majority of the loading bridges have been in use since 1996, and some were damaged by Typhoon Mawar in 2023.
