Caleb Fotheringham

The territory's president wants a Pacific-wide ban on seabed mining amid deferring view on the issue in the region.

Solomon Islands prime minister declared that "milestones were reached" during the "successful conclusion" of the annual leaders' meeting in Honiara on Friday.

However, his predecessor denies the allegations, saying audited government accounts for 2022/23 and 2023/24 show no findings of fraud or misappropriation.

Speaking for the first-time since the diplomatic fallout with New Zealand, Taneti Maamau says that if Foreign Minister Winston Peters "wishes to come, he's welcome" to visit Kiribati.

Sitiveni Rabuka says the country's move to set up a permanent diplomatic mission in Israel is "not a religious decision". Audio

French Polynesia's leader says France has the "opportunity to reinvent" itself by "achieving a good decolonisation" in New Caledonia. Audio

Jeremiah Manele has called for Pacific solidarity in an "evolving global and strategic environment" during the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders' Meeting opening plenary in Honiara. Audio

Pacific Islands Forum leaders are in Honiara for their annual summit this week and are expected to agree to a regional labour mobility principles on Wednesday.

The French Polynesia president is pleased with the Solomon Islands' decision to block about two dozen donor partners from attending the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Honiara.

After years of frustration trying to access climate finance, Pacific leaders are creating their own climate fund.

Former New Caledonia President Louis Mapou says human rights and sovereignty are big issues facing not only Melanesia but the wider Pacific. Audio

Pacific Islands Forum leaders are en route to the Solomon Islands for their annual meeting, which kicks off Monday. Audio

A charity funded by a Cook Islands seabed mining company backs children's book on deep sea mining materials.

The donation of vehicles from both China and Australia to Solomon Islands demonstrates the competition between the two countries, a regional geopolitical expert says.

The Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority says more information is needed before a decision is made on whether mining can proceed. Audio

Dr Claire Achmad told the select committee while she welcomed bill's intention, she wanted further provisions.

But Surangel Whipps Jr says he respects the position of the Solomon Islands as hosts of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders' Meeting. Audio

A director at the Seabed Minerals Authority says that, as a small island nation, the Cook Islands is always looking to partner with other jurisdictions. Audio

Solomon Islands Prime Minister's proposal not to invite the likes of the US, China and Taiwan has been approved at the Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Fiji.

Competitors from different islands faced off in rock lifting, coconut husking, fruit racing and wrestling, with most coming from Pukapuka, an atoll in the Northern Group.

Rarotonga is as popular as it has ever been. Audio

The Cook Islands has no intention of leaving its special relationship with New Zealand, Prime Minister Mark Brown says. Audio

The Cook Islands' culture secretary warns that Cook Islanders are becoming complacent about the use of their language and need to "wake up and appreciate" its importance. Audio

Tina Browne wants the country to be more self-sufficient, but says there is no desire to be independent from New Zealand.

The former Cook Islands prime minister says the "special nature" of the relationship between the two nations must be "underpinned by respect".