Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.
Fiji honour for Tongan king
Islands Business
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July 9, 2025
THE Solomon Islands has marked the 47th anniversary of regaining independence from Great Britain. Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele reminded guests at celebrations in Honiara of the country’s motto – To Lead Is to Serve. “They are a national...
'Political dynamics in Fiji are unpredictable': Will Ratu Tevita Mara step into politics?
RNZ
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July 9, 2025
Ratu Tevita Mara is the son of Fiji's first prime minister, the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara. Photo: Facebook / Ministry of itaukei Affairs A Fijian political commentator predicts that Ratu Tevita Mara well could become prime minister in the...
Fiji welcomes Tonga's bid for a diplomatic mission in Suva
Pacific Media Network
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Fiji’s President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has formally acknowledged and expressed keen appreciation for Tonga’s recent declaration of interest in establishing a permanent diplomatic presence in Suva. In a high-level meeting with the King of Tonga,...
Fiji and Tonga reinforce deep rooted bilateral ties
Pacific News Service
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The President of Fiji, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu received a courtesy call Tuesday from Tongan King Tupou VI , reaffirming the long-standing friendship and enduring regional partnership between the two Pacific Island nations. During the high-level...
Gabriel Tupou pushes for Pacific voices in regional politics
TP+
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July 9, 2025
Gabriel Tupou announces his bid for Greater Wellington Regional Council. Photo: Supplied Local Democracy Reporting | Free Public Interest News Service By Mary Afemata of Local Democracy Reporting Gabriel Tupou, Lower Hutt’s first Tongan...
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...
Tongan royals on historic visit to Fiji, strengthening ties and celebrating heritage
Pacific Media Network
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The Tongan King is feeling more at home after arriving in Fiji to attend the installation of one of the country’s paramount chiefs. King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipauʻu Tukuʻaho arrived in Suva on Tuesday ahead of their visit to Lakeba in the Lau...
Tonga's King and Queen in Fiji for historic chiefly investiture
RNZ
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July 8, 2025
The prestigious titles of Turaga Tui Nayau, Sau Ni Vanua Ko Lau and Tui Lau are being be bestowed upon Ratu Tevita this week. Photo: Facebook / Ministry of itaukei Affairs The King and Queen of Tonga are being feted in Fiji during historic...
Tongan royals begin historic state visit to Fiji
FBC News
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July 7, 2025
King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u. [Photo Credit: Fiji Government] King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u of the Kingdom of Tonga will begin their state visit to Fiji today and will also travel to Lau for the installation of the Tui Nayau, Tui Lau,...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Māori Queen welcomed in Fiji to strengthen ancestral bonds ahead of chiefly installation
Pacific Media Network
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The Māori Queen, Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po, was officially welcomed by the Fijian government during a traditional ceremony at the new Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) complex in Suva on Wednesday. The Māori monarch is in Fiji for the...