Vanuatu Consulate in Belgium

07/10/2026

Vanuatu has hit back at a New Caledonian politician after he addressed Prime Minister Jotham Napat using the country’s colonial-era name and suggested some of its southern islands could be placed under French administration.

Metzdorf, a member of New Caledonia’s anti-independence camp, sent the letter after Vanuatu raised its sovereignty claim over the Matthew and Hunter Islands at the United Nations.

In the letter, dated 1 October, Metzdorf addressed Napat as the prime minister of the “Condominium of the New Hebrides” - the name used when Vanuatu was jointly administered by Britain and France before independence in 1980.

The row comes as Port Vila pushes its claim over Matthew and Hunter Islands.

05/10/2026

30/09/2026

Vanuatu has renewed a call by Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders for Indonesia to allow the United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit West Papua to assess claims of widespread rights abuses.

Vanuatu has renewed a call by Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders for Indonesia to allow the United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit West Papua to assess

15/09/2026

Human Rights Defenders from West Papua and Indonesia will be in Brussels (16-22 September) to draw the attention on probably the largest deforestation project in the world.

In West Papua, 2.5 to 3 million hectares of tropical forests and swamp are threatened for the development of rice fields and plantations of sugar cane for bioethanol.

The Indonesian documentary "Pesta Babi" (translated: "the pig feast") follows 5 indigenous people from Papua as forests are cleared for plantations, food-estate programs, and other industrial projects.

The Brussels cultural centre in Forest, GC Ten Weyngaert, in partnership with T&E, Greenpeace Belgium, Human Rights Monitor, 11.11.11 and Fern NGO is presenting "Pesta Babi" next Saturday 19 September (doors open at 6.30pm, film starts at 7pm). After the screening, there will be a discussion (language = English) and meeting with the indigenous leaders.

You can register here: https://www.tenweyngaert.be/en/activiteiten/111111-vorst-pesta-babi-film-and-talk

11.11.11-Vorst presents 'Pesta Babi', film and talk.

13/09/2026

Fifteen passengers have been rescued and more than 30 remain unaccounted-for after an inter-island ferry sank in critical weather conditions near Vanuatu.

05/09/2026

Sunset was special, yesterday, in Belgium! 😲

30/07/2026

🇻🇺 A Pillar of Vanuatu’s Independence: Ati George Sokomanu 🇻🇺

​The 1st photo was taken during the President’s Independence Day reception—a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to the birth of the nation. 🖤💚💛❤️

​🚣‍♂️ Early Determination
​His journey began with extraordinary resilience. As a young boy, the only school available to him was located on Irririki Island. Road access from Mele Village (then situated on what is known today as Hideaway Island) to Port Vila was nearly impossible.
​Undeterred, young Ati George would rise early every morning and paddle a canoe with his little sister all the way to school and back. Even though his sister couldn't swim and feared the water, he always reassured her: "We will be safe." 💬✨

​🎓 Education & Public Service
​His perseverance paid off! He went on to study in Fiji and earned his qualifications. Upon returning home, he held the highest-paid position of any New Hebridean in the British National Service. 💼📈
​✊ A Key Role in the Struggle
​During the fight for freedom, Ati George played a vital dual role:
🤫 Informer: Provided critical intelligence for the Vanua'aku Pati.
💰 Financial Backbone: Used his salary as essential financial support for the movement.
​👑 First President of Vanuatu
​When Vanuatu finally gained independence on 30 July 1980, Ati George Sokomanu made history by becoming the first President of the new Republic of Vanuatu! 🎉🫡

​A true national hero whose courage and vision helped shape a nation. 🙏✨

​

19/07/2026

Vanuatu delegation ready for the start of the FIFA World Cup Final!

09/07/2026

Spotted in paradise! 🌴🌊

​This is Abeona, the massive 75-meter (246 ft) support vessel owned by billionaire Jeff Bezos, currently cruising through the stunning waters of Vanuatu! 🇻🇺✨

​Word on the water is that Bezos is on an epic Pacific ocean tour. While his main 127-meter sailing superyacht, Koru, gets all the headlines, Abeona is the ultimate shadow boat. Built by Damen Yachting, she acts as a floating mega-garage following him everywhere he goes.

​What’s inside?
🚁 A fully equipped helipad and hangar
🚤 A fleet of tenders, jet skis, and marine toys
👥 Accommodation for a massive crew of around 40+ support staff and specialists

​Not a bad way to island hop! 🗺️🛥️

​

📸: Kwanchanok Mann

02/07/2026

🇻🇺✈️ Solomon Airlines launched its new non-stop Christchurch–Port Vila service, providing the first regular direct commercial flights between the South Island of New Zealand and Vanuatu.

The new service operates every Thursday and Saturday, with a flight time of under four hours between Christchurch and Port Vila.

The additional route complements Solomon Airlines’ existing four weekly Auckland–Port Vila services, increasing the total number of flights between Vanuatu and New Zealand to six per week.

Speaking during the launch at Bauerfield International Airport, Solomon Airlines CEO Matthew Findlay said the new route has already generated strong demand, with around 2,000 forward bookings confirmed over the coming months.

Today’s inaugural Christchurch flight also arrived with more than 125 passengers, operating close to full capacity.

The Department of Tourism welcomes the additional air access, which provides greater travel choice for visitors and supports continued growth in arrivals from the New Zealand market.

The Department also acknowledges the Government of Vanuatu and Solomon Airlines for their collaboration in introducing the new service. At the same time, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands are continuing discussions to review the existing Air Services Agreement, with the aim of supporting additional international air services and improving regional connectivity.

The Department of Tourism looks forward to welcoming more New Zealand visitors as the new Christchurch service gets underway.