Nauru has issued a joint statement with nine other countries, committing to ensure the countries' supply chain remains connected despite the global Covid-19 pandemic.
The ministerial statement includes Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Laos, Myanmar, New Zealand, Singapore and Uruguay, alongside Nauru.
Nauru Airlines Boeing 737-300 at Nadi International Airport Photo: RNZI/ Sally Round
Nauru's president, Lionel Aingimea, said it represents a collective response to the Covid-19 pandemic, with a commitment to maintaining open and connected supply chains, as well as to collaborating to identify and address trade disruptions with ramifications on the flow of necessities.
"We recognise that it is in our mutual interest to ensure that trade lines remain open, including via air and sea freight, to facilitate the flow of goods including essential supplies," said Lionel Aingimea.
The group also affirmed the importance of refraining from the imposition of export controls or tariffs and non-tariff barriers and of removing any existing trade restrictive measures on essential goods, especially medical supplies, at this time.