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Source: ONE News -
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An outbreak of swine flu is causing growing concern in the Pacific Islands and Prime Minister John Key is now offering New Zealand's help to stem the spread of the virus which had largely avoided the Islands until now.
The spread of swine flu is of deep concern in Samoa and with only a handful of cases so far, New Zealand is offering to help keep it that way.
"We have stocks of Tamiflu and the likes that we could offer in support if that was required," says Key.
There were no concerns about contamination when it came to sharing a kava bowl though, as Key enjoyed the taste of Samoa before meeting the Head of State His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi who raised concerns about how Fiji is being treated by its larger neighbours.
Key's response to his preferred kava, the Samoan or the Fijian type, perhaps summed up New Zealand's stance.
"Haha, it's difficult to choose among children even if ones a little wayward at the moment," says Key.
New Zealand is clearly happy to help pacific neighbours who do play ball, handing out aid in Samoa to help businesses.
Key used his time in Samoa to advance the "Treaty of Friendship" between the two countries.
He announced development assistance to Samoa will increase from $10 million a year to $14 million.
The money will go towards Education, health, public service improvement and private sector development.
Key says the additional funding reflects New Zealand's strong ties with Samoa.
He is currently on a whistle-stop trip visiting Tonga, Samoa, Niue and the Cook Islands.
Key also took the opportunity during his visit to sign a Visiting Forces Agreement with Samoa.
The Agreement will facilitate New Zealand Defence Force
participation in relevant exercises in Samoa, and build on the
cooperation that New Zealand already enjoys with Samoa in defence
matters.