Photo: Fiji Government Facebook
Fiji
Fiji's non-resident ambassador has presented his letters of credence to Pope Leo, marking the assumption of his role as ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of Fiji to the Holy See.
Ambassador Jovilisi Suveinakama conveyed the greetings of the president, prime minister and people of Fiji to the Pope and the Roman Curia.
He reaffirmed Fiji's commitment to working together on shared priorities, including peace, human dignity and sustainable development.
Pope Leo addressed the assembled ambassadors and offered his reflections on the importance of dialogue, mutual respect, and collective responsibility in addressing global challenges.
Tonga
Tonga has been approved by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for a grant of around US$80 million for an infrastructure project.
The ADB said the grant will finance infrastructure upgrades on the main island of Tongatapu, as part of the Tonga Sustainable Economic Corridors and Urban Resilience Project.
The government of Tonga is providing US$24.8m in counterpart financing.
The ADB said extra funding from the World Bank will boost the project finance to almost US$120 million.
Fiji
Child sex abuse in Fiji is soaring with more than 4000 cases reported in the past four years.
The state broadcaster has reported that sex offences are now the largest category of crimes against children.
Police data shows 4100 cases of child sex abuse were recorded between 2020 and 2024.
Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran said prevention must start at home, in schools and communities.
Kiran said a multi-agency approach is needed urgently to slow the trend.
Samoa
Four women and two men in Samoa have appeared in court charged with allegedly beating a woman who was tied to a pole.
Samoa Global News reported the six defendants pleaded not guilty to charges including kidnapping, being armed with a dangerous weapon, grievous bodily harm and assault.
The accused were remanded on bail.
Guam
The US administration's newly released National Security Strategy reinserts Guam at the centre of America's military posture in the Pacific.
Guam's Daily Post reported the strategy outlines US President Donald Trump's continued focus on "America first," and "core vital national interests".
For decades, Guam has been called the tip of the spear, in terms of US military projection.
The National Security Strategy elevates that role by reinforcing the island as a frontline hub for missile defense, power projection, and deterrence against China amid rising tensions over Taiwan.
The Pentagon is also advancing work on enhanced integrated air and missile defense systems for Guam as part of broader homeland security efforts.