Off the wire
• Australia's suicide rates could be reduced by 30 pct with European approach: researchers  • Australian authorities seize 50 kg methamphetamine  • 1st LD: Chinese shares dive over 4 percent at mid-day  • Exports can help boost Brazilian economy in times of fiscal adjustments: minister  • New Zealand's goods trade surplus drops in May  • Brazilian expert lauds enhanced cooperation among BRICS nations  • Myanmar's ruling party expresses regret over constitution amendment voting result  • Sexual harassment rampant in U.S. military, schools: report  • Copa America result  • Report criticizes US racial discrimination in Ferguson police shooting  
You are here: 　 Home

New Zealand ready to help Pacific nations in humanitarian challenges: FM

Xinhua, June 26, 2015 Adjust font size:

Foreign Minister Murray McCully said Friday New Zealand is committed to helping Pacific neighbors deal with natural disasters as the country prepares to host the World Humanitarian Summit Pacific.

"The summit, which is co-hosted by New Zealand, Australia and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, will focus on addressing the most pressing humanitarian challenges facing the Pacific," McCully said in a statement.

"The Pacific is one of the most vulnerable regions in the world and we work closely with governments and regional partners to help Pacific countries better prepare for and respond to natural disasters."

Among the leaders attending the summit would be Kiribati President Anote Tong, Tuvalu Prime Minister Enele Sopoaga, Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, Administrator of the United Nations Development Program Helen Clark, U.N. Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs Stephen O'Brien and high-level representatives from other Pacific governments and humanitarian agencies.

"On the back of the summit I will meet separately with a number of the attendees, including with the president of Kiribati, the prime minister of Tuvalu, and Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop," said McCully.

"New Zealand and Australia work closely together in the Pacific, particularly around responding to disasters," he said.

"I look forward to discussing how we can strengthen that partnership with Minister Bishop, and consulting on other regional and international issues." Endi