Frank Bainimarama and John Key. Photo: RNZ / Benedict Collins
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has come away from Fiji without support for Helen Clark's bid to become United Nations Secretary-General.
The former New Zealand prime minister is running for the top job, and Mr Key broached the matter with Fiji's prime minister, Frank Bainimarama, during talks in Suva last week.
Fiji has also placed a bid - for its ambassador to the UN, Peter Thomson, to be president of the UN General Assembly.
Mr Key said Fiji had not yet indicated whether it would endorse Miss Clark's bid, although he was hopeful.
"It would be great if Fiji would give its support for Helen Clark," Mr Key said. "We're going to support Peter Thomson for the presidency, and we're hopeful that he will be successful."
On Monday, Mr Key told New Zealand's Newshub that, if Miss Clark had to rely solely on Fiji, she would be in a bit of trouble in her campaign.