Foreign Minister Murray McCully has named diplomat Nick Hurley as New Zealand’s new High Commissioner to the Cook Islands.

“New Zealand and the Cook Islands have a unique relationship, based on historical ties and shared citizenship,” Mr McCully says.

“This year is the fiftieth anniversary of Cook Islands self-government in free association with New Zealand, and there are a range of events to celebrate this milestone taking place later this year.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully has welcomed the United Nations Security Council’s resolution on Yemen and called for the resumption of political dialogue between all parties involved in the conflict.

“We are deeply concerned by the situation in Yemen and the impact the conflict is having on civilians,” Mr McCully says.

“Without political dialogue, and the Houthis returning to the negotiating table, the crisis in Yemen will only continue to deepen.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully has named diplomat David Taylor as New Zealand’s next Ambassador to the European Union. Mr Taylor will also be accredited to Sweden and NATO.

“The position of Ambassador to the EU has become one of the most important and senior in our foreign service and the role will only become more critical as time passes,” Mr McCully says.

“Economically, the EU is our third largest trading partner and we are hopeful that this relationship can be further strengthened through the negotiation of a free trade agreement.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully today welcomed news that an agreement has been reached which lays out parameters for a deal on Iran’s nuclear programme.

“The announcement from the P5+1 (United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia, China and Germany) and Iran is a significant development, which opens the way for a comprehensive agreement,” Mr McCully says.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully travelled to Baghdad yesterday for talks with Iraq’s Prime Minister Mr Haider al-Abadi and Foreign Minister Dr Ibrahim al-Ja'afari.

“New Zealand is committed to supporting Iraq as they address the threat posed by ISIL and build a more law-abiding and democratic country,” Mr McCully says.

“To date New Zealand’s contribution to the international coalition against ISIL has been focused on the provision of humanitarian aid to people displaced by the fighting in Iraq and Syria.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully has announced that New Zealand will contribute a further $1 million to the Cyclone Pam response and will also help transport Fiji disaster response personnel to Vanuatu by RNZAF C-130 Hercules.

“The additional funding we have announced today will be split between Vanuatu and Tuvalu,” Mr McCully says.

“The $500,000 we are providing to Vanuatu will allow New Zealand Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) personnel to deploy and will enable us to respond to additional requests for assistance from the Vanuatu Government.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully today welcomed a visit to New Zealand by Lithuanian Foreign Minister, Linas Linkevičius.

“Lithuania is currently a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council alongside New Zealand, and the visit provided an opportunity to discuss their perspectives on key issues facing the Council,” Mr McCully says.

“At the same time, I am pleased to note that we have recently concluded negotiations on a reciprocal Working Holiday Scheme with Lithuania.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully and Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee have announced that the HMNZS Canterbury will be sent to Vanuatu to support the recovery effort following Cyclone Pam.

“HMNZS Canterbury will depart for Vanuatu as soon as possible carrying personnel, heavy engineering equipment and other supplies to support the recovery effort,” Mr McCully says.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully says a New Zealand C-130 Hercules aircraft has travelled to Tanna Island this afternoon with relief supplies and the Vanuatu Prime Minister on board.

“Tanna Island is about 230km to the south of Port Vila and early aerial surveillance shows a large number of buildings have been completely or partly destroyed by Cyclone Pam,” Mr McCully says.

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully today announced an additional $1.5 million in Cyclone Pam relief, on top of the $1 million contributed yesterday.  He also announced two more NZ Defence Force (NZDF) relief flights will head to Vanuatu tomorrow.

The New Zealand government has announced an initial contribution of $1 million to assist Pacific nations hit by Cyclone Pam, Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully says.
 
“Funding includes $200,000 to respond to specific requests for assistance in Vanuatu, Fiji, Tuvalu and Solomon Islands, and $400,000 for NGOs in Vanuatu and Solomon Islands to replenish relief supplies.
 

Foreign Minister Murray McCully travels to Paris today to meet with French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius and then to London for a meeting of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG).

“France and New Zealand have an excellent and long-standing relationship – in fact, 2015 marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our two countries,” Mr McCully says.

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully today outlined the further diplomatic and humanitarian measures being considered as part of the government’s response to ISIL and the ongoing fighting in Iraq and Syria.

“The New Zealand government has been very clear that in addition to deploying non-combat troops to help train Iraqi forces, we also need to take steps to combat ISIL at the diplomatic level and provide humanitarian support to those displaced by the fighting in the region,” Mr McCully says.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully travels to New York tomorrow to participate in an open debate in the Security Council on the United Nations Charter.

“To mark its presidency of the UN Security Council, and the 70^th anniversary of the UN Charter, the Foreign Minister of China is hosting an open debate focused on how the Security Council can better support peace and security,” Mr McCully says.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully has named diplomat Bruce Shepherd as New Zealand’s new Ambassador to Ethiopia and the African Union.

“Our relationship with Ethiopia is developing quickly with potential for closer trade and economic ties,” Mr McCully says.

“Addis Ababa is the home of the African Union, and is a base for engaging with all the states of Africa.

“The Embassy has a significant role to play, contributing a New Zealand perspective on security and development issues, and working to open doors for New Zealand exporters.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully has paid tribute to the outstanding performance of New Zealand’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Jim McLay, who concludes his second term in May.

“Ambassador McLay can take considerable credit for New Zealand’s successful campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council,” Mr McCully says.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully has named diplomat Billie Moore as New Zealand’s new Consul-General in Sydney. 

"Ms Moore will lead the New Zealand Government's presence in Sydney, which includes representatives from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, Customs, Police, Internal Affairs, Immigration and Tourism," Mr McCully says.

“New South Wales and Queensland are home to a significant number of New Zealanders, and they are important markets for New Zealand business.  

Foreign Minister Murray McCully today called on all parties involved in the conflict in eastern Ukraine to abide by the conditions of the ceasefire.

“The ceasefire generally seems to be holding, however, there are troubling reports of continued fighting in Debaltseve,” Mr McCully says.

“New Zealand calls on President Putin to continue to use his influence to ensure all separatist groups fully observe the ceasefire.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully travels to Tonga tomorrow to meet with Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva and his new government.

“Tonga is one of our closest neighbours and we enjoy a very strong relationship built around a large Tongan population in New Zealand, development cooperation, and working together at the Pacific Islands Forum,” Mr McCully says.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully has welcomed the upcoming visit to New Zealand by Iraq’s Foreign Minister Dr Ibrahim al-Ja'afari.

“Global attention is currently on Iraq as the new government there focuses on rebuilding the country and combating the spread of ISIL,” Mr McCully says.

“New Zealand is currently considering options for a non-combat, training role, in Iraq and this visit is an opportunity to gain the Iraqi Government’s perspective on how New Zealand can best assist.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully says New Zealand shares the disappointment expressed by other members of the international community about the five-year prison sentence handed down to Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim.

“While Mr Anwar has followed every avenue open to him to have his conviction overturned and to avoid imprisonment, the severity of his sentence, coupled with recent prosecutions under the country’s Sedition Act, are of concern to New Zealand,” Mr McCully says.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully has welcomed the upcoming visit to New Zealand by Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom, Rt Hon Philip Hammond.

“New Zealand and the UK have an excellent relationship, underscored by strong political, defence, and trade links,” Mr McCully says.

“The UK is New Zealand’s fifth largest trading partner, and a key market for New Zealand lamb, fruit, and wine.