Fiji delivers cyclone relief supplies to Vanuatu

The Fiji Response Team, deployed to Vanuatu by the Fijian government, has handed over the first batch of cyclone relief supplies to Vanuatu, the Fijian government said Thursday.

The relief supplies, including a container load of dry food rations and clean and safe drinking water, will help Vanuatuan authorities address a critical need for food and water following Tropical Cyclone Pam's devastation earlier this month, according to Fiji's Department of Information.

Lt. Col. Manasa Tagicakibau, leader of the team and Fiji's former National Disaster Management Office director, said the people of Fiji have had the Vanuatu people in their thoughts and prayers.

"Following the destruction of Cyclone Pam, Fiji made a commitment to come forward and see all the areas of possible assistance to its neighboring country. This will include assistance in both relief and response, and also rehabilitation work... The government of Fiji and its people are with you during this time of crisis. Fiji stands ready to assist you," Tagicakibau was quoted as saying.

Sato Kilman, Vanuatu's foreign minister, said the handover of relief supplies is a testimony that friends and partners can stand together in times of crisis.

"Fiji's response is humanitarian for one reason, being part of the region is another, and being part of the MSG (Melanesian Spearhead Group) is another... This shows solidarity between countries in the region," Kilman said, acknowledging the work of the Fiji Response Team.

As an intergovernmental organization, the Melanesian Spearhead Group consists of Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, as well as the Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front ( FLNKS) of New Caledonia. Endi