New Zealand has offered a budget support package of almost $US30 million ($NZ40m) to Fiji in response to the economic crisis there caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Defence Minister Inia Seruiratu and PM Frank Bainimarama. Photo: Facebook/Fiji govt
On Thursday, Fiji's health authorities announced their fourth death from the virus - a woman from the recent cluster detected at a suburb north of the capital Suva.
Three staff from Fiji's Centre for Disease Control also tested positive for the coronavirus.
The New Zealand High Commission in Suva said its government stands ready to help the Fijians.
High Commissioner Jonathan Curr said the financial assistance would contribute to Fiji's response, with a focus on promoting a sustainable and inclusive recovery which assisted the most vulnerable communities.
"This demonstrates New Zealand's commitment to support the Fijian Government address the immediate socio-economic impacts of the pandemic, and
the medium term ambition for an equitable economic recovery, for all Fijians and remains committed to working closely together to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, the Fiji police force has received personal protective equipment worth $US42,000 from New Zealand and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Acting Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu said this would help the force protect officers from potential health risks during this second wave of Covid cases.
The PPEs include 10,000 face masks, 30,000 gloves and 300 bottles of hand sanitizers.
Tudravu said the NZ assistance was provided through the police force's support project, implemented by UNDP.
New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji, Jonathan Curr, says New Zealand stands ready to support all Fijian Government frontline staff responding to the current COVID-19 emergency.
.. Photo: Facebook/Fiji govt
Fiji, US reaffirm climate support
Earlier, Fiji and the United States reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral engagements and partnership in fighting climate change, protecting oceans and biodiversity and in Covid-19 recovery.
Fiji's Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama and the US Special Presidential Envoy on Climate, John Kerry, this week discussed aspirations to advance Fijian and American relations.
Bainimarama acknowledged Secretary Kerry's leadership and contributions in global affairs and in shaping US bilateral relations with Fiji and the Pacific region.
Bainimarama also conveyed Fiji's appreciation to US President Joe Biden for his "strong global leadership and commitment in resolving the critical global issues of our time", especially in recognising the special circumstances faced by Small Islands Developing States (SIDS).
The Fijian leader sought Kerry's support to improve the SIDS' access to climate and development finance for their sustainable recovery.
On COP26 scheduled in Glasgow in November, Bainimarama said Fiji looked forward to working with the US and seeing more countries present their revised Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
He also called for support in the development of an integrated climate action narrative where he said oceans, biodiversity, desertification, energy and food systems were brought together cohesively.
Kerry praised Fiji's vast experience in climate change diplomacy which the US Special Climate Envoy said would be crucial to drawing more global support for deeper and bolder climate actions.