New Zealand to send Defence Force personnel to APEC

New Zealand will deploy a patrol vessel, a surveillance aircraft and more than 120 Defence Force personnel to assist with the APEC summit in Papua New Guinea next week.

The frigate HMNZS Otago will assist with maritime security, while a P-3 Orion will provide aerial surveillance.

Thirty Special Operation Forces personnel will also support PNG security forces on the ground in Port Moresby.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters said the security of APEC was vital.

He said New Zealand was also assisting PNG with diplomatic training and ambulance operations ahead of the summit.

“New Zealand has also been working alongside the Australian government in co-ordinating the capacity assistance,” he said.

SOURCE: RNZ PACIFIC/ PACNEWS