Fiji

Bainimarama welcomed Prime Minister Mataʻafa who is on her first official visit to Fiji, and reaffirmed the nation's commitment to work closely with Samoa in advancing regional solidarity.

He commended the Government of Samoa for the establishment of the new Samoa High Commission in Suva, which was officially opened last evening.

Bainimarama said it signifies the strengthened relations of the two nations, and the unwavering commitment to build stronger partnership for the development of our Pacific region.

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa was among guests at the ceremony.

Chief Guest Fiji’s Prime Minister, Frank Bainimarama said, “Your new High Commission shows how serious Samoa is about building its friendship with Fiji and ramping up its regional engagement.”

“Fiji is the Pacific hub of trade, travel, telecommunications, and finance, and our capital is the one-stop-shop for all multilateral matters. In one trip to one city, our region’s leaders can make connections and coordinate engagement with each other and the world.”

New Zealand Rugby confirmed that they are continuing to explore the idea of having their round of the series in the island nation.

After the announcement of the return of the Hamilton 7s yesterday, NZR head of tournaments and competitions, Cameron Good, said the change of landscape had meant they had instead always been planning to return to Hamilton next year.

He added talks are underway with Fiji Rugby on the opportunities that are available.

The University of the South Pacific vice-chancellor Pal Ahluwalia said the USP's annual budget has been reduced by $US78 million by Fiji's actions.

But Professor Ahluwalia said a lot of work was being done by the governing council to ensure the university continues to achieve results.

"The question of money Fiji owes is really an issue for the USP Council and how the Council and the leaders of the Pacific deal with that.

The High Court in Suva has allowed an application by the public prosecutor to stop the superyacht Amadea belonging to Russian billionaire Suleiman Kerimov from leaving its waters.

Kerimov, who was not on board, is facing sanctions from the United States, Britain and the European Union over Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Fiji's Director of Public Prosecutions Christopher Pryde filed the application on Tuesday - a week after the yacht moored at the Lautoka Wharf without customs clearance.

Mr Pryde confirmed that the US is seeking to seize the vessel.

According to a statement from Investment Fiji it had enabled the company to reach greater heights by providing them with export opportunities to regional and international markets.

Investment Fiji acting chief executive officer Kamal Chetty said they had always been at the forefront of assisting exporters by providing them with information, advice, and services they needed to thrive globally.

“Helping local businesses to expand to other parts of the world is one of our key strategic goals and we are fully committed towards it,” said Mr Chetty.

Australia beat impressive Ireland 21-19 to clinch a hard fought bronze medal and remain in contention for the 2022 Series title.

Prior to Singapore, South Africa had won all four rounds of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2022 to date - and six in total in a row - but in Singapore’s National Stadium it was to be Fiji’s moment.

The last time anyone but South Africa had won a men’s tournament on the big stage was in March 2020 in Vancouver when New Zealand took top honours.

Cyclone Fili is located 220km north-west of New Caledonia making its way south at six kilometres an hour.

New Caledonian authorities have placed one northern district on alert level two for cyclone preparedness, while five other northern districts are at alert level one.

In the next 24 hours forecasters expect Cyclone Fili to move south south-east, 180km from Belep.

Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum announced this in his 2021-22 Revised National Budget address in Parliament last night.

He said after weeks of establishing private testing facilities nationwide, Fiji is ready to remove the three-night stay requirement upon entry into Fiji.

Sayed-Khaiyum said fully-vaccinated visitors, residents and citizens will only need to conduct a rapid antigen coronavirus test within 24 hours of arrival in the country at an approved testing facility.

He said a full list of the locations will be published online.

For a region that is extremely susceptible to climate shocks and natural disasters, monitoring the impacts of these calamities is critical. By identifying, collecting, and analysing market information, the joint project will help government agencies in both countries to make informed policies when implementing disaster response activities, particularly those aimed at safeguarding household food security.