Vanuatu's new foreign minister, Kalvau Moli, says one of his main focuses in government will be the issue of West Papua.
He replaced Sato Kilman, who was sacked yesterday amid opposition plans to lodge a motion of no confidence against the prime minister Joe Natuman.
Vanuatu Prime Minister Joe Natuman Photo: RNZ / Kim Baker Wilson
Mr Moli says he expected a more senior member of parliament would get the position, but he is confident he can do the job.
He says he has been following very closely what has been happening in West Papua.
"I have seen the issue with West Papua and other foreign policies, and the integration of the regional communities, which requires probably new thinking. And I think I have some capabilities to assist the prime minister in that regard."
Pro West Papua rally in Vanuatu in 2014 Photo: RNZI / Hilaire Bule