Nauru President Baron Waqa has assured regional media attending the 48th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Samoa this week that his government will allow journalists to cover next year’s meeting.
Nauru is hosting the 49th Forum Leaders meeting in 2018.
The Smaller Islands States (SIS) Chairman says his government is working with the Forum on the issue.
“Let me assure you that we are working with the Forum to make sure you all get there,” said President Waqa at the SIS press conference in Apia today (Monday).
Nauru increased the cost of foreign journalists' visa applications from AUD$200 to AUD$8000 in 2014 (US$160 - US$6,366), an amount which is not refundable if the bid is rejected.
The Nauruan government has tightened up its visitor visa process after media representatives allegedly entered the country last year on false documents.
Photo by Loop Nauru. Caption: Nauru President Baron Waqa (left) with his Government delegation at the PIF leaders summit in Samoa