Vanuatu

 MS Bishop is accompanied by Labor Senators, Hon Penny Wong and Claire Moore on the trip.

The visit to Solomon Island, Vanuatu and Samoa is aimed at meeting with the Prime Ministers and Foreign Ministers of each country on a range of issues including regional stability, development challenges and emergency responses.

Ms Bishop said the visit to Solomon Islands will reiterate Australia's continuing commitment to peace and stability after the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) withdraws in June 2017.

Last last week, for the first time, frozen albacore tuna was off-loaded at Port Vila's main wharf before being transported to the Chinese-funded fish packing plant at Black Sands.

The Daily Post reports that with the assistance of United States surveillance vessels, the Vanuatu government is committed to having all Vanuatu-flagged fishing vessels unload their catches from the country's Exclusive Economic Zone in Port Vila.

The paper says Bumblebee is in discussion about building a plant in Vanuatu.

RNZ reports Van2017 officials met with the representatives from the Pacific Games Council and the 13 national sporting federations taking part in the Mini Games in Port Vila last week to hear more about plans for the sports programme at the Games next December.

CEO Clint Flood said they needed to make sure that on the day, the teams from all the countries would be able to compete and do their best.

"It's the most important job we have," said Flood.

A tour of the Korman Stadium site, under construction with the support of the Chinese Government, was also conducted. 

Last week’s meetings follow on from President Lakhan’s last visit to Port Vila in May where the PGC General Assembly was conducted.  At that time, the Prime Minister of Vanuatu, Charlot Salwai, publicly at the General Assembly and privately to President Lakhan, reaffirmed the Vanuatu Government’s commitment to hosting the 2017 Pacific Mini Games.

BIMA, a world-leading mobile micro-insurance provider, and the Pacific Financial Inclusion Programme (PFIP) have launched their second major joint initiative that will provide microinsurance products to underserved communities across five Pacific Island Countries.

PFIP has provided a grant to BIMA to bring simple, affordable microinsurance products to low-income, rural and underserved communities in Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga, Samoa and Nauru.

Over the last ten years Corrections has sent delegations to three Pacific Islands: Vanuatu, Samoa and Pitcairn. At a celebration at Corrections National Office today, Ms Collins recognised the efforts of the first batch of recipients with the presentation of a Pacific Pin, known as the Hoe Akau.

The Hoe Akau is a steering paddle, giving direction and support to other paddlers to ensure the most efficient arrival at a given destination.

New Caledonia topped the pool by defeating Papua New Guinea 4-1, while Vanuatu edged defending champions Fiji 1-0 in the other match on Saturday and should they both win again against Fiji and Papua New Guinea respectively they would wrap up the top two places with a game to spare.

Confirming a place in the final four of the eight nation is a step closer to qualifying for next year’s FIFA U-20 World Cup, which for the first time welcomes two teams from the OFC qualifying tournament, specifically the winners of each semi-final.

RNZ reports the assurance was given by China's ambassador to Vanuatu, Liu Quan, when he met the prime minister Charlot Salwai, the minister of sports Jack Norris and senior government officials at the construction site.

Mr Salwai's delegation heard from the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) construction company that work will be completed in October next year.

Currently, the CCECC employs 30 ni-Vanuatu but the number is expected to reach 80.

The US Geological Survey said the quake was 535km (330 miles) southeast of Vanuatu island.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre issued a local tsunami warning for areas close to the earthquake, though this was later cancelled.

There were no initial reports of damage or casualties.

Quakes are fairly common in the region. Two similar sized tremors last October and December caused no damage.

Friday's quake initially registered with a magnitude of 7.6 but was later downgraded. It was measured at a depth of about 10km.

The 2017 edition of the OFC U-17 Championship will be held in Papeete, Tahiti in February 2017 with preliminary stage winners Samoa joining the hosts, defending champions New Zealand, New Caledonia, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu.

Just one side was seeded for the draw – hosts Tahiti into position A1 – with the remaining teams drawn into positions at random.