Acting Foreign Affairs Minister, David Parker says New Zealand is deeply concerned by the events which have been unfolding in Honiara, Solomon Islands, since Wednesday.
“New Zealand is a long-standing partner of Solomon Islands, and there are deep and enduring connections between our two countries,” Mr Parker said.
“Our engagement in Solomon Islands is guided by the principle of tātou tātou, or all of us acting together for the common good. We stand with the Government and people of Solomon Islands through this difficult time.”
He said the Government welcomed the generosity shown by Australia in deploying Australian Federal Police and Australian Defence Force with urgency yesterday.
“They have responded to a direct request from the Solomon Islands Government which takes place under the Australian-Solomon Islands bilateral security treaty, and we are confident their actions will help calm the situation,” Mr Parker said.
He said New Zealand would remain in close contact with Solomon Islands counterparts and international partners.
“No requests for assistance from the Solomon Islands Government have been received at this point.”
“We have long-standing partnerships with Solomon Islands, including through the New Zealand Police, who are currently providing advice and support to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force on the ground,” Minister Parker said.
The New Zealand High Commission in Honiara is providing SafeTravel advice to New Zealanders in Solomon Islands. New Zealanders should follow the advice of local authorities, exercise care and remain where they are if it is safe to do so.
