Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.
Banquet hosted at State House to honour Tongan royals during State Visit
Fijivillage
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A Banquet was hosted in honour of the State Visit by King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u of the Kingdom of Tonga at the State House last night by the President of the Republic of Fiji, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, and the First Lady, Emily Lalabalavu....
Fiji and Tonga push for stronger regional collaboration
FBC News
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July 8, 2025
[Photo Credit: Fiji Government] President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu relayed to King Tupou VI of the Kingdom of Tonga about the need for Pacific unity. Ratu Naiqama received a courtesy call from King Tupou VI yesterday, where they reaffirmed the...
Tonga military arrives in Lakeba ahead of Tui Nayau and Tui Lau installation ceremonies
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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July 6, 2025
As the installation of the Tui Nayau and the Sau ni Vanua o Lau draws near, the military force from the Kingdom of Tonga is arriving on the island of Lakeba ahead of time. Tubou Village headman, Waqavonovono Temo says the Vanua of Lau is fully...
Japan plans to expand OSA aid to align with US' Indo-Pacific strategy and pursue military ambitions, analysts say
Global Times
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Latest news Japan plans to supply defense equipment to Thailand, Tonga and six other nations in the current fiscal year as security aid, a government source said Friday, with the aim to ensure safe sea lanes in the Indo-Pacific region where China...
Tongan Navy arrives ahead of Queen’s visit
Fiji Sun
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July 6, 2025
Currently, only one Tongan naval vessel is expected for the visit, and no further vessels have been confirmed at this stage. LuiThe Tongan Navy patrol boat has arrived in Fiji waters ahead of Queen Nanasipauʻu Tukuʻaho’s visit to Tubou, Lakeba....
Parliament national debate targets seabed mining
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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July 5, 2025
The first Speaker’s Debate of 2025 launches 10 July, tackling the controversial issue of deep-sea mining. The public forum, beginning at 6:00 p.m. in Nukuʻalofa, will explore the economic benefits and environmental concerns of seabed mining—a...
King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u of Tonga to begin historic State visit to Fiji today
Fijivillage
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King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u of Tonga to begin historic State visit to Fiji today King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u, of the Kingdom of Tonga. [Image: Fiji Government] In a landmark diplomatic engagement for the Pacific region, Fiji will...
Tongan military to arrive in Lakeba ahead of Tui Nayau and Tui Lau installation ceremonies
Fijivillage
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Tongan military to arrive in Lakeba ahead of Tui Nayau and Tui Lau installation ceremonies As the installation of the Tui Nayau and the Sau ni Vanua o Lau draws near, the military force from the Kingdom of Tonga is expected to arrive on the island...
PM Visits Fijian Troops in Australia
Fiji Sun
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July 4, 2025
The RFMF personnel are also part of a rotational company pilot, the first of its kind with any Pacific Defence Force. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and the Fiji delegation during their visit to the Australian military training area in Queensland....
Expect traffic delays on Suva–Nausori route tomorrow morning as King and Queen of Tonga arrive for State visit
The Fiji Times
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July 7, 2025
Expect traffic delays between Nausori and Suva city tomorrow morning as the King of Tonga and Queen will be escorted on this route in a motorcade. A Fiji government advisory states while there will be no road closures, traffic disruptions will...
Little progress in Tonga battle to overcome cyber breach
RNZ
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July 6, 2025
Moala says the question being asked of the government is: why wasn't there a backup system? Photo: 123RF It has now been three weeks since cyber hackers took down the Tonga Ministry of Health's National Health Information system. Ever since, staff...
Tonga Motor Show draws record entries this year
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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July 3, 2025
The 2025 Tonga Motor Show has attracted 30 contestants, its highest number since the event began eight years ago. This year marks the first time the event, hosted by Vaitohi Enterprises, has run under its new name, changing from the Tonga Car Show...
Admiral Sir Derek Reffell, naval commander and governor of Gibraltar
The Times
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One fine weekend in June 1975 the carrier HMS Hermes, under the command of Derek Reffell, sailed into Quebec harbour on a courtesy visit. Among the ship’s company was the Prince of Wales, now the King, serving as a Wessex helicopter pilot with the...
Tonga joins Ottawa Treaty as 166th State Party after Cambodia’s advocacy
Khmer Times
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July 3, 2025
Ly Thuch, First Vice-President of the CMAA and President of the Ottawa Convention, meets with Viliami Va’inga Tōnē, Ambassador of Tonga to the United Nations, in New York, on October 7, 2024. CMAA Synopsis: Cambodia celebrates Tonga’s accession as...
ZamStats’ Language Statistics Are A Dangerous Seed of Division- Political Activist
Zambian Observer
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July 6, 2025
OPINION: ZamStats’ Language Statistics Are A Dangerous Seed of Division By Michael Zephaniah Phiri – Political Activist It is with a heavy heart and deep concern that I write to condemn the new trajectory the Zambia Statistics Agency (ZamStats)...
Anthony Albanese hosts Fijian prime minister at Wallabies test in Newcastle
The West Australian
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July 6, 2025
Anthony Albanese focused on diplomacy at home on Sunday, hosting Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in Newcastle for a Wallabies Test match against Fiji. Australia edged out Fiji 21-18 in front of a lively crowd at McDonald Jones Stadium....
MP demands answers over Tongan Navy’s unchecked arrival in Lakeba with dignitaries and crop
The Fiji Times
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July 5, 2025
Questions have been raised on whether Immigration and Biosecurity checks were done on individuals who arrived on a Tongan Navy ship at Lakeba yesterday. The Tongan Navy brought in dignitaries and crop from Tonga for the installation of the Tui...
Tongan royals to celebrate age-old ties with Fiji at high chief’s installation ceremony
Pacific Media Network
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The King and Queen of Tonga are visiting Fiji to attend the installation ceremony of the chiefly titles of Sau Ni Vanua Ko Lau, Tui Nayau, and Tui Lau. The installation ceremony will be held on Lakeba Island, and the royal couple has been invited...
Politician speaks out after third of Tuvalu’s citizens apply for Australian visas
Seven News
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July 2, 2025
Pacific Island nation Tuvalu has poured cold water on a report that a huge chunk of its citizens are eager to move to Australia through a world-first climate visa. It is instead likely that many applicants are ineligible, have applied multiple...
Tonga cybersecurity attack wake-up call for Pacific, warns expert
RNZ
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July 1, 2025
Photo: 123RF A Tongan cybersecurity expert says the country's health data hack is a "wake-up call" for the whole region. Siosaia Vaipuna, a former director of Tonga's cybersecurity agency, spoke to RNZ Pacific in the wake of the 15 June...