SOLOMON ISLANDS STRENGTHENS BILATERAL TIES WITH INDONESIA

The Acting Prime Minister, Honourable Bradley Tovosia, last week received a courtesy call from the non- resident Ambassador of Indonesia to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Andriana Supandy, at the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Ambassador Supandy conveyed the congratulations of the President of Indonesia to the Government and people of Solomon Islands for the successful hosting of the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting. He highlighted the growing friendship between the two countries, noting that more Solomon Islanders are now pursuing studies in Indonesia, particularly in agriculture and technology, which remain areas of strength in Indonesia’s leading universities.

The Ambassador encouraged more Solomon Islanders to take advantage of the educational opportunities available in Indonesia. He further outlined several areas of cooperation, including a scoping mission to explore new opportunities, and the possibility of expanding the existing visa exemption arrangement to cover ordinary passport holders. Ambassador Supandy also extended an invitation to Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele to deliver a keynote address at the Indonesia Sustainability Forum in October this year.

In response, Acting Prime Minister Tovosia conveyed the Solomon Islands Government’s appreciation for Indonesia’s support, including the construction of the Friendship Hall, which was a key venue during the 2023 Pacific Games, and the provision of uniforms for the recent Pacific Islands Forum. He further expressed interest in strengthening cooperation in fisheries, particularly in tilapia farming and seaweed development, and welcomed the prospect of Indonesian telecommunications companies investing in Solomon Islands.

Ambassador Supandy informed the Acting Prime Minister that three Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) are currently under discussion for future signing, covering education and health, policing and security, and women and youth empowerment.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral cooperation across key sectors, strengthening the bonds of friendship between Solomon Islands and Indonesia.

End

A day to be remembered in December 2003, after months on the run

A day to be remembered in December 2003, after months on the run,

U.S. forces finally located Saddam Hussein,

Hiding in a makeshift underground hole near his hometown of Tikrit, Iraq,

The former Iraqi dictator was found crouched in a narrow, six-foot-deep "spider hole" beneath a simple farmhouse,

Equipped with nothing more than a small fan and an air vent to survive,

Once feared as one of the most brutal and powerful leaders in the Middle East,

Saddam was discovered dishevelled and armed with only a pistol,

He offered no resistance when captured,

The hole was barely large enough to lie down in, 

Covered with dirt and debris, a far cry from the palaces he once ruled from,

The image of that hiding place became symbolic: the fall of a dictator reduced to isolation and desperation, 

Buried beneath the very soil of the nation he once controlled with fear,

His capture marked a turning point in the Iraq War and a historic moment broadcast around the world,

FIJI MELANESIAN ARTS & CULTURE FESTIVAL 2026 NATIONAL TASKFORCE HOLDS MEETING

Chaired by the Minister for iTaukei Affairs, Culture, Heritage & Arts, the Hon. Iferemi Vasu, the Fiji MACFEST26 National Taskforce held its inaugural meeting at the Ministry of itaukei Affairs HQ on Monday 22nd September 2025. 

The first meeting brought together key stakeholders who will advice and direct the Secretariat established to implement the Festival proper. 

We thank you for agreeing to our humble invitation and we look forward to working with you to ensure that a successful and uniquely different MACFEST is celebrated in Fiji recognizing the many artistic, heritage and cultural elements that embody our nation. 

The MACFEST Secretariat will soon roll out necessary decisions made by the National Taskforce and will keep you informed. 

Vinaka 

#MSG

#MACFEST

Fiji Arts Council 

Fiji Museum 

National Trust of Fiji Islands 

MSG Secretariat

𝗔 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱: 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲’𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗮’𝘀 𝟳𝟲𝘁𝗵 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗿𝘆

𝘈𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘗𝘔 𝘛𝘰𝘷𝘰𝘴𝘢𝘪 𝘱𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘊𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘢’𝘴 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘥𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘱𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵, 𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘨𝘭𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘭 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱, 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘱𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘥𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥.

The Solomon Islands Government has extended heartfelt congratulations to the People’s Republic of China on the occasion of its 76th founding anniversary.

During a special celebration at Mendana Hotel, Honiara, this evening, Acting Prime Minister Hon. Bradley Tovosia delivered a message on behalf of the Government and people of Solomon Islands, expressing warm wishes to His Excellency President Xi Jinping, the Chinese Government, and the people of China.

"On this important day, we offer our sincere congratulations to President Xi Jinping and the people of China. The founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949 was a turning point in history," Hon. Tovosia stated.

He praised China’s impressive achievements since its founding especially its progress in development, innovation, and global leadership, which lifted millions out of poverty and inspired developing nations around the world.

Acting PM Tovosia adds, for Solomon Islands, the celebration also holds deep personal meaning. Six years ago, the country made a bold and historic decision to establish diplomatic relations with China.

“It was a decision based on trust and mutual respect. A decision that placed us on the right side of history and confirmed our recognition of the One China principle,” Tovosia emphasized.

He expressed, in just six years, the cooperation between Solomon Islands and China has already delivered real, visible results. Key projects such as road construction, improved health facilities, agricultural programs, scholarships, and cultural exchanges have had a direct and positive impact on the lives of ordinary Solomon Islanders.

He underlined, “these aren’t just ideas on paper. These projects are changing lives and supporting our national development and transformation goals.”

He further revealed, Solomon Islands and China are discussing a Framework Agreement on Enhanced Economic Partnership, which is expected to lead to a Free Trade Agreement after 2027. This would allow Solomon Islands to continue enjoying preferential treatment in trade with China.

While projects and investments are important, Tovosia highlighted that the heart of the relationship is the genuine friendship and solidarity between the people of both countries.

He expressed confidence that the partnership will continue to grow stronger, helping both countries work together on common challenges like climate change, economic development, and peace and security in the region adding, the bond between Solomon Islands and China will only become broader, deeper, and more meaningful in the years to come.

Ends///.

𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗺 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿 𝗣𝗠 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗹𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗬𝗼𝗿𝗸

𝗠𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗔 𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘

𝑵𝒆𝒘 𝒀𝒐𝒓𝒌, 𝑻𝒖𝒆𝒔𝒅𝒂𝒚 𝟐𝟑 𝑺𝒆𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 – Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele who is also Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), welcomed Pacific Leaders to a special reception at The Sanctuary, Roosevelt Island, New York, on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly.

Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Manele highlighted the shared journey of the Forum over the past 54 years and the importance of unity under the theme: Iumi Tugeda: Act Now for an Integrated Blue Pacific Continent.

“Our presence here in New York provides us the opportunity to be united with one voice and be heard by the international community. Whether we are raising climate ambition, defending our oceans, or championing gender equality and youth leadership, our strength comes from speaking as one family,” the Prime Minister said.

He reaffirmed the Pacific’s commitment to global engagement, noting that initiatives like the Pacific Roadmap for Economic Development and regional commitments in peace and security, education, health, labour mobility, gender equality, social inclusion, and digital connectivity reflect the collective priorities of the Pacific peoples.

“The Pacific is not a stage for others, it is a region that leads with clarity, courage, and conviction,” Prime Minister Manele added.

[𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗦]

Regional Leadership at the Global Stage! UNGA80

#UNGA80

Halo Olgeta from New York!

The high level week of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly commences today in New York with the commemoration of thirty years of the Beijing Platform for Action. 

Our Leaders will be making statements reaffirming the role of the revitalised Pacific Leaders Gender Equality Declaration in promoting gender equality and social inclusion across all sectors.

Our Forum Chair and Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Hon Jeremiah Manele together with our Leaders, supported by the Secretary General, are here to elevate and reaffirm our Pacific priorities. 

Keep tuned for more updates! 

#OneBluePacific #Regionalism #PacificLeadership

A handsome Fijian man wearing a wàsekaseka (sperm whale tooth necklace), 1880

In the 19th century, the growth of the Pacific whaling industry, driven by Euro-American demand, brought an increased supply of whale teeth to Fiji. This made it possible to produce more of the highly valued ivory ornaments known as wàsekaseka. These necklaces were carved by Tongan and Samoan canoe builders living in Fiji, who made use of metal tools introduced through European trade and whaling.

Crafting a wàsekaseka required skill and patience. A single whale tooth was cut into curved, pointed sections, which were then polished into smooth, concave shapes. Small holes were drilled along the sides, allowing the pendants to be strung together with cord made from sennit.

For Fijian chiefs, these necklaces were far more than decorative items. They represented chiefly power and authority. On certain occasions, these necklaces were also used as ransom during periods of warfare.