New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters described the situation in Gaza as a “disaster” and called for a two-state solution for lasting peace in the Middle East.
“We want lasting peace. We want a two-state solution as soon as possible. We want peace in Gaza. We cannot afford to just watch, stand by and do nothing about this disaster,” said Peters in an interview with Anadolu Agency.
During his visit to Turkey, Peters drew particular attention to the killing of children in Israeli attacks on Gaza.
“We condemn every attack,” said the New Zealand foreign minister.
Peters pointed out that in this respect no distinction can be made on the basis of gender or age and that he considers any killing “immoral”.
“On the humanitarian level, we have made a significant effort to make sure that we can help even though we are so far from these areas of humanitarian disaster,” Peters added.
Minister Peters also said that he considers the October 7 attack by Hamas to be “terrorism”.
He also touched on his country’s relationship with Turkey, noting that the two countries have very close ties in many areas.
“Our task is to consider every opportunity to expand economic relations. There are also close cultural and political relations with Turkey,” said Peters, who arrived in Turkey on the occasion of Anzac Day.
Anzac Day is marked across Australia and New Zealand on April 25.
Anzac Village, where the anniversary of the land battle at Canakkale in Turkey is traditionally marked, is an acronym that permanently reminds of the participation of the Australian and New Zealand Army in that battle (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps).
