The head of the Pacific Islands Forum has condemned the Russian Federation's invasion of Ukraine.
In a statement, Secretary-General Henry Puna said the region has "observed from afar the violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as Russia's blatant disregard for international law."
Mr Puna said the Pacific and the global community rely on the rules-based international order that has promoted peace for over half a century.
Former Cook Islands Prime Minister, Henry Puna, was elected Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum in 2021. Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades
He said there are several challenges faced by the global community which cannot be addressed "without peaceful dialogue."
Mr Puna is urging Russia to cease all hostilities against Ukraine and call on all parties to deescalate and allow peaceful dialogue and humanity to prevail.
He said climate change and Covid-19 must remain at the forefront of global efforts, not attacks upon the human rights and liberties of an independent people.